掌握 (zhǎngwò) — to master; to grasp; to command
HSK 4 | verb | to have thorough command of a skill or knowledge
掌握 (zhǎngwò)
掌握 means to master or have thorough command of something, whether a skill, language, knowledge, or situation, implying confident control and deep understanding.
Meanings
- [verb] to master; to grasp; to command; to have control of
Example Sentences
他掌握了三门外语，工作非常顺利。 Tā zhǎngwòle sān mén wàiyǔ, gōngzuò fēicháng shùnlì. He has mastered three foreign languages and his work goes very smoothly.
要掌握一项技能，需要大量的练习。 Yào zhǎngwò yī xiàng jìnéng, xūyào dàliàng de liànxí. To master a skill requires a great deal of practice.
她掌握了谈判的主动权。 Tā zhǎngwòle tánpàn de zhǔdòngquán. She took command of the initiative in the negotiation.
学生需要掌握基本的数学概念。 Xuéshēng xūyào zhǎngwò jīběn de shùxué gàiniàn. Students need to master basic mathematical concepts.
Collocations
| Collocation | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 掌握技能 | to master a skill |
| 掌握知识 | to command knowledge |
| 掌握主动权 | to take the initiative |
| 充分掌握 | to fully master |
Usage Notes
掌握 implies a high level of proficiency and confident control, going beyond just knowing something superficially. It is often used to describe mastery of a language, skill, or situation. It can also refer to having control of a situation (掌握主动权). The image is of something firmly held in the palm of your hand.
Memory Hook
掌 means "palm of the hand" and 握 means "to grip/hold." So 掌握 is to hold something in the palm of your hand: having something so well mastered that you hold it completely.