Meaning
手掌 refers to the flat inner surface of the hand from the wrist to the base of the fingers. It's the broad, central part of your hand that you use to hold things or feel textures. This is a common anatomical term used in everyday conversation and medical contexts.
Usage
手掌 is the standard term for the palm of the hand in both casual and formal contexts. It's commonly used when describing hand gestures, measuring sizes (like '手掌大小' meaning 'palm-sized'), or discussing hand injuries. Often paired with verbs like 摊开 (to spread open) or 握紧 (to clench).
Examples
- 01他的手掌上有一道很深的伤疤。.There is a deep scar on his palm.
- 02这个苹果只有手掌大小。.This apple is only palm-sized.
Characters
Measure words
- 只两只手掌
- 个一个手掌
Common collocations
- 摊开手掌to open one's palm
- 手掌心center of the palm
- 手掌大小palm-sized
- 拍手掌to clap hands
Antonyms
Origin
掌 originally depicted a hand with the palm facing up, emphasizing the flat surface. The combination 手掌 literally means 'hand-palm', creating a compound that specifically refers to the palm portion of the hand.