抓住 (zhuā zhù) is a compound verb meaning 'to seize,' 'to grasp firmly,' or 'to catch hold of' — both physically and figuratively. The first character 抓 (zhuā) means 'to grab' or 'to clutch,' while 住 (zhù) functions as a resultative complement indicating successful completion or stabilization of the action — literally 'to hold in place.' Together, they emphasize not just the act of grabbing, but doing so effectively and securely.

This verb is commonly used in contexts involving physical capture (e.g., catching an animal or object), gaining control (e.g., seizing an opportunity), or even understanding something clearly (e.g., 'grasping a concept'). It often implies intentionality, effort, and success. Unlike simple 抓, 抓住 requires the action to be completed and sustained — you cannot 'partially' 抓住 something; it’s all or nothing. It frequently appears with objects, time expressions, or abstract nouns like 机会 (opportunity) or 重点 (key point).