手把手

shǒubǎshǒu

adverb #30,338

Meanings

1 hand in hand (teaching)
2 step by step with hands-on guidance

Characters

to hold; to grasp

Examples

师父手把手地教他写毛笔字。

Shīfu shǒubǎshǒu de jiāo tā xiě máobǐzì.

The master taught him calligraphy hands-on, step by step.

妈妈手把手教我系鞋带。

Māma shǒubǎshǒu jiāo wǒ jì xiédài.

Mom taught me to tie my shoes hand over hand.

Tips

usage

Almost always pairs with 教 (to teach): 手把手地教 = 'to teach hands-on, holding the learner's hand.' Implies patient, intimate, step-by-step instruction. Unlike English 'hand-holding' (which can be condescending), 手把手 is generally warm and positive.

Stroke Order

手 shǒu

把 bǎ