掌握

zhǎngwò

verb HSK 5 #1,981

Meanings

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

HSK 3

命运掌握在自己手中。

Mìngyùn zhǎngwò zài zìjǐ shǒuzhōng.

Destiny is in your own hands.

HSK 4

你需要掌握基本的语法。

Nǐ xūyào zhǎngwò jīběn de yǔfǎ.

You need to master the basic grammar.

HSK 6

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