Translation and Meaning of: 手掛ける - tegakeru

If you are studying Japanese or have an interest in the language, you may have come across the word 手掛ける (てがける). It appears in various contexts, from everyday conversations to formal texts, and understanding its meaning and usage can enrich your vocabulary. In this article, we will explore what this word represents, its origin, how it is used in Japanese culture, and tips for memorizing it effectively.

In addition to uncovering the meaning of 手掛ける, let's analyze its practical use in sentences and real situations. If you are looking for a reliable dictionary to deepen your knowledge, Suki Nihongo offers detailed explanations and clear examples for words like this one. Shall we get started?

Meaning and usage of 手掛ける

The word 手掛ける (てがける) has a quite specific meaning: it is used to indicate that someone is involved in a project, task, or work, often with a sense of responsibility or dedication. It can be translated as "to take charge of," "to deal with," or "to work on." For example, a director who 手掛ける a film is leading the production, just as an artisan who 手掛ける a piece is dedicating their time and skill to that creation.

The verb is often used in professional and creative contexts, such as art, business, and research. An interesting feature is that it carries a nuance of personal involvement, suggesting that the person not only performs the task but also commits to it. This sets it apart from more neutral words like する (suru - to do) or 作る (tsukuru - to create).

Origin and composition of kanji

The word 手掛ける is composed of two kanjis: 手 (て), which means "hand," and 掛ける (かける), which has several meanings such as "to hang," "to apply," or "to involve oneself." Together, they convey the idea of "putting hands on something," which well reflects the sense of taking on a task or project. This construction is common in Japanese verbs, where kanjis combine to create specific nuances of action.

It is worth noting that 掛ける is a highly versatile verb, appearing in various other combinations, such as 電話を掛ける (to make a phone call) or 眼鏡を掛ける (to wear glasses). In 手掛ける, however, it takes on a more abstract meaning, related to active involvement in an activity. This flexibility is one of the treasures of the Japanese language.

Tips for memorizing and using correctly

An effective way to remember 手掛ける is to associate it with situations where someone takes an active role in a project. Think of phrases like "The chef 手掛ける a new dish" or "She 手掛ける the organization of the event." This type of contextualization helps to understand not only the meaning but also the atmosphere in which the word is used.

Another tip is to observe its use in authentic materials, such as articles, interviews, or TV shows. Often, professionals like artists, researchers, and managers use 手掛ける to describe their work. By familiarizing yourself with these examples, you gain confidence in using the word at the right moment.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Verb conjugation of 手掛ける

• 手掛けます - polite form
• 手掛けました - Polite past
• 手掛けています - Polite form continues
• 手掛けられる - Formal potential
• 手掛けよう - formal imperative

Synonyms and similar words

• 担う (Nau) - Assume, bear (responsibility or load)
• 請け負う (Ukeau) - Hire, accept a job or task (usually a service)
• 引き受ける (Hikiukeru) - To accept, to take responsibility for something (usually a task or obligation)
• 担当する (Tantou suru) - To be responsible for, to be in charge of something (usually a specific area)
• 取り扱う (Toriatsukau) - Handle, deal with something (usually involves handling or management)
• 手がける (Tegakeru) - Working on something, producing, or taking care of something (emphasizes the act of doing)

手掛ける

Romaji: tegakeru
Kana: てがける
Type: verb
L: jlpt-n1

Translation / Meaning: to lead; manage; work with; back; to care; have experience with

Meaning in English: to handle;to manage;to work with;to rear;to look after;to have experience with

Definition: start something, work on something, undertake something.

Example Sentences - (手掛ける) tegakeru

See below some example sentences:

私は新しいプロジェクトを手掛ける予定です。

Watashi wa atarashii purojekuto o tegakeru yotei desu

I am planning to take on a new project.

I intend to work on a new project.

• 私 - The personal pronoun that means "I" in Japanese.
• は - topic particle that indicates the topic of the sentence
• 新しい - adjective meaning "new"
• プロジェクト - noun meaning "project"
• を - direct object particle indicating the object of the action
• 手掛ける - verb that means "to deal with" or "to take on"
• 予定 - Noun that means "plan" or "schedule"
• です - verb to be in the present, which indicates the affirmation of the sentence