Japanese symbol for “clutch”
握る
にぎる
Romaji: nigiru
to clasp; to grasp; to grip; to clutch
In Japanese, clutch is 握る, read にぎる (nigiru).
Before using these characters for a tattoo, check them with a native speaker. Dictionary words often have several meanings, and the right choice depends on context.
Meanings
- v5r, vt to clasp; to grasp; to grip; to clutch
- v5r, vt to hold (the answer); to have (e.g. the solution); to be the key; to be the reason
- v5r, vt to seize (power); to hold (the reins); to dominate; to control
- v5r, vt to make (nigirizushi, rice ball, etc.); to form (with one's hands); to press into shape; to mold; to mould
Kanji and stroke order
Other Japanese words for “clutch”
| Word | Reading | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 握り | にぎり nigiri | grasping; gripping; grasp |
| クラッチ | クラッチ kuratchi | clutch |
| 掴む | つかむ tsukamu | to seize; to catch; to grasp |
| 押さえる | おさえる osaeru | to cover (esp. a part of one's body with one's hand); to clutch (a body part in pain); to press (a body part) |
| 捕まえる | つかまえる tsukamaeru | to grab; to clutch; to grasp |
Related words
Words that share a kanji.
| Word | Reading | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 握手 | あくしゅ akushu | handshake |
| 把握 | はあく haaku | grasp (of the situation, meaning, etc.); understanding; control |
| 握り | にぎり nigiri | grasping; gripping; grasp |
| 掌握 | しょうあく shouaku | grasping; seizing; holding |
| 握力 | あくりょく akuryoku | grip (of hand); grip strength |
See also: Chinese symbol for “clutch”.
Data: JMdict (CC BY-SA 4.0); KANJIDIC2 (CC BY-SA 4.0); KanjiVG (CC BY-SA 3.0); wordfreq (CC BY-SA 4.0 (data)). Retrieved 2026-10-22.