Definition
掌 is a bound form (黏着语素) that never appears alone — it always combines with another character to form a compound. Its core meaning is 'palm of the hand', and it also extends to 'sole (of foot or shoe)' and 'to be in charge of; to control'. Common words include 手掌 (palm), 掌握 (to master), 鼓掌 (to clap), and 掌柜 (shopkeeper).
b.f.
(bound form) palm of the hand(bound form) sole (of foot or shoe)(bound form) to be in charge ofto control
Examples
- 。Tā yòng shǒu zhǎng pāi le yíxià zhuōzi.He slapped the table with the palm of his hand.
- 。Nǐ yào mànmàn zhǎng wò zhèxiē jìqiǎo.You need to gradually master these skills.
- ，。Yǎnchū jiéshù hòu, guānzhòng rèliè gǔ zhǎng.After the performance, the audience burst into warm applause.
Browse more HSK 7-9 words or search the full 43,000-word dictionary.