掌握

zhǎngwò

verb HSK 5 #1,981

Meanings

To hold something in your palm — to have it firmly under control.

你需要掌握基本的语法。

Nǐ xūyào zhǎngwò jīběn de yǔfǎ.

You need to master the basic grammar.

命运掌握在自己手中。

Mìngyùn zhǎngwò zài zìjǐ shǒuzhōng.

Destiny is in your own hands.

她已经掌握了三种语言。

Tā yǐjīng zhǎngwò le sān zhǒng yǔyán.

She has already mastered three languages.

老板掌握着公司的大权。

Lǎobǎn zhǎngwò zhe gōngsī de dàquán.

The boss holds the company's power.

usage

掌握 is used for mastering skills/knowledge (掌握技术, 掌握知识) and for controlling power/situations (掌握权力, 掌握局面).

memory

Picture holding a skill in the palm (掌) of your hand (握) — you've mastered it completely.

掌 zhǎng

握 wò