Definition
掌握 (zhǎng wò) means to have a solid command of a skill or knowledge, to control a situation, or to seize an opportunity — it stresses active mastery and the ability to use or manage effectively. Compare 把握 (bǎ wò), which adds the nuance of certainty or confidence in the outcome; 熟悉 (shú xi) is 'to be familiar with' without active control; and 握 (wò) is more literal, 'to hold or grasp physically'.
verb
to masterto have a good command of (a skill, language, or body of knowledge)to graspto seize (an opportunity, initiative)to controlto have in one's hands (a situation, destiny, power)
Examples
- 掌握。Tā yòng le sān nián shíjiān zhǎng wò le zhè mén jìshù.It took him three years to master this skill.
- 掌握，。Nǐ yào zhǎng wò hǎo zhè cì jīhuì, bú yào cuòguò.You need to seize this opportunity well and not miss it.
- 掌握。Júshì yǐjīng wánquán bèi zhèngfǔ zhǎng wò le.The situation is now completely under the government's control.
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