godan verb (-ru), transitive verb
grasp; grip; hold in one's hand
Physical action of taking something firmly in the hand, such as a handle, a person's hand, or a tool.
彼はペンを握って書き始めた。
He grasped the pen and started writing.
子どもは母親の手を
The child was holding his mother's hand tightly.
godan verb (-ru), transitive verb
hold the key; have the answer; be in control of
Abstract use: to possess crucial information, a solution, or decisive power over a situation. Often used in expressions like 鍵を握る or 秘密を握る.
彼が事件の鍵を握っている。
He holds the key to the case.
社長が人事権を握っている。
The president holds the authority over personnel decisions.
godan verb (-ru), transitive verb
seize (power); take control of; dominate
Used for gaining and holding power, authority, or control over an organization, market, or situation. Common with nouns like 権力, 実権, 主導権.
軍がクーデターで政権を握った。
The military seized power in a coup.
彼は会社の実権を握っている。
He holds the real power in the company.
godan verb (-ru), transitive verb
form with hands; mold; make (rice ball, sushi)
Specifically for shaping something by pressing or rolling it in the hands, especially food items like nigirizushi or onigiri.
母は毎朝おにぎりを握ってくれる。
My mother makes rice balls for me every morning.
寿司職人がシャリを握る。
The sushi chef forms the rice.