How common it is
把握 appears often in everyday Chinese, so it is worth practicing early and reviewing often.
Pronunciation focus
Say bǎwò slowly first, then repeat it in a short phrase. Listen for the tone shape.
Usage note
把握表示抓住机会，也表示掌控。
bǎ wò biǎo shì zhuā zhù jī huì， yě biǎo shì zhǎng kòng。
把握 means to seize an opportunity or control something.
Context note
把握常用于机会、时间和程度。
bǎ wò cháng yòng yú jī huì 、 shí jiān hé chéng dù。
It is often used for opportunities, time, and degree.
5 examples
要把握机会。
yào bǎ wò jī huì。
You should seize the opportunity.
他把握得很好。
tā bǎ wò dé hěn hǎo。
He handled it very well.
请把握时间。
qǐng bǎ wò shí jiān。
Please make good use of time.
你能把握住重点吗？
nǐ néng bǎ wò zhù zhòng diǎn ma？
Can you grasp the key point?
这次考试要把握好。
zhè cì kǎo shì yào bǎ wò hǎo。
You should handle this exam well.
5 mini stories
她把握住了这次机会。
tā bǎ wò zhù le zhè cì jī huì。
She seized this opportunity.
老师教我们如何把握重点。
lǎo shī jiào wǒ men rú hé bǎ wò zhòng diǎn。
The teacher taught us how to grasp the key points.
比赛中，他把握得很稳。
bǐ sài zhōng， tā bǎ wò dé hěn wěn。
In the game, he was very steady.
孩子慢慢学会把握时间。
hái zi màn màn xué huì bǎ wò shí jiān。
The child gradually learned to manage time.
只要把握好方向，事情就会顺利。
zhǐ yào bǎ wò hǎo fāng xiàng， shì qíng jiù huì shùn lì。
As long as you have the right direction, things will go smoothly.