握り

にぎり
Frequency:
1

The act or manner of gripping or grasping with the hand; the part of an object held (grip).

Noun

Examples

彼は握りが強くて、重い荷物でも簡単に持てる。

He has a strong grip and can easily carry heavy luggage.

ペンの握りが太いと長時間書いても疲れにくい。

A pen with a thick grip is less tiring to write with for long periods.

ラケットの握りを少し変えたら、打球が安定した。

When I changed the racket grip a bit, my shots became more stable.

2

A handful; the amount that can be held in one hand.

Noun

Examples

砂糖を一握り鍋に入れて混ぜてください。

Put a handful of sugar into the pot and stir, please.

庭の土を一握り取って植物に撒いた。

I took a handful of soil from the garden and sprinkled it on the plants.

3

A handle or knob — the part of a tool or door designed to be grasped.

Noun

Examples

ドアの握りを回してから入ってください。

Please turn the door knob before entering.

この包丁は握りが滑りにくくて安全だ。

This kitchen knife has a non-slip handle and is safe to use.

古いギターの握りを交換したら弾きやすくなった。

After replacing the old guitar's grip, it became easier to play.

4

Abbreviation of '握り飯' (onigiri): a rice ball shaped by hand.

NounFood, CookingAbbreviation

Examples

遠足には握りを三つ持って行った。

I took three rice balls with me on the excursion.

母は朝に握りを作って子供を送り出した。

My mother made rice balls in the morning and sent the children off.

5

Abbreviation of '握り寿司' (nigirizushi): hand-formed sushi consisting of rice topped with seafood or other ingredients.

NounFood, CookingAbbreviation

Examples

今日は寿司屋で握りを十二貫頼んだ。

Today I ordered twelve pieces of nigiri at the sushi restaurant.

新鮮なネタの握りは口の中でとろけるようだ。

Nigiri made with fresh toppings almost melts in the mouth.

カウンターで板前に握りを出してもらった。

I had the chef at the counter serve me nigiri.

6

In the game of Go, 'nigiri' is the method of determining who plays black by taking a handful of white stones and guessing if the number is odd or even (usually written in katakana: ニギリ).

NounGo (Game)Usually Kana

Examples

試合の前に、ニギリで先手後手を決めた。

Before the match, we decided who would play first by nigiri.

Word Relationships