抓紧 zhuājǐn to keep a firm grip on
to keep a firm grip on; to pay close attention to; to lose no time in (doing something)
How to remember 抓紧: 抓 to clutch + 紧 tight = to keep a firm grip on.
Characters
How it is used
- To grip tightly, and figuratively to seize the moment / lose no time - 抓紧时间 (zhuājǐn shíjiān) make the most of the time / hurry up.
- The dominant use is urging promptness: 抓紧办 (get on it right away), 抓紧学习 buckle down and study.
- Literal sense: 抓紧扶手 (grip the handrail tight). Opposite of the figurative sense is dawdling.
Example sentences
- 请抓紧时间。 Qǐng zhuājǐnshíjiān.Please hurry.
- 如果你抓紧，你还能赶上火车。 Rúguǒ nǐ zhuājǐn, nǐ hái néng gǎnshàng huǒchē.If you hurry you can still make the train.
- 如果你不抓紧的话，你就会赶不上火车。 Rúguǒ nǐ bù zhuājǐn dehuà, nǐ jiù huì gǎnbúshàng huǒchē.If you don't hurry, you'll miss the train.