握

to hold, grasp; seize

Kanji 999

This kanji plays a role in terms ranging from handshakes to bribes, from grasping the gist to seizing power. Above all, 握 has deep connections to sushi. See how sushi relates to gripping—and what sweaty hands have to do with suspense. Learn to say “just a handful,” “I was behind the wheel,” “He took over as leader of the party,” and “He crumpled the sheet of paper into a ball.”

Revision history:

Dec. 5, 2023: pp. 11 and 16: Changed the breakdowns of 握り寿司 and 寿司を握る, defining 寿司 as "sushi" each time, not as "nigirizushi."

Dec. 3, 2021: Originally published.