Meaning

Primary

One's Grip

Alternatives

Handful, Nigiri Sushi

Word Type

noun

Explanation

Remember how 握る is "to grasp"? This is the noun version and means one's grip. It's often used to talk about how strong or loose someone's grip is, like on a tool, a baseball, or even an opponent's collar in judo.

If you add a number to 握り, like in 一握り, it can mean handful. It can also refer to nigiri sushi, since making that kind of sushi involves taking a handful of rice and gripping it into shape.

Occasionally this can also refer to something you're meant to grip, like the handle on a fishing rod or a pachinko machine, but this use is less common. Whew, there's a lot to know about this word — but hopefully you've got a grip on 握り now.

Reading

にぎり
  • Kyoko
    (Tokyo accent, female)
  • Kenichi
    (Tokyo accent, male)

Explanation

The reading comes from 握る, so get a grip on that!

Context

Common Word Combinations

  • グリップの握り

    one's grip on the handle

    ボールの握り

    one's grip on the ball

    ハンドルの握り

    one's grip on the steering wheel

Context Sentences

今日はサーモンの握りが特においしいですよ。

The salmon nigiri is especially good today.

一握りの人しか知らない秘密らしい。

Apparently it's a secret only known to a handful of people.

このハンマーは握りが太くて持ちやすい。

This hammer has a thick, easy-to-hold handle.

怒ったコウイチは、握り拳で机をバンバン叩いた。

Angry, Koichi pounded the desk with his clenched fist.

Kanji Composition