Translation and Meaning of: 手配 - tehai

The Japanese word 手配 [てはい] is a versatile and useful term for anyone learning the language or interested in Japanese culture. In this article, we will explore its meaning, origin, and everyday uses, as well as tips for memorizing it correctly. If you have encountered this expression in animes, dramas, or even in study materials, understanding its context can enrich your vocabulary and avoid confusion.

Meaning and translation of 手配

手配 is a word composed of the kanjis 手 (hand) and 配 (to distribute, to arrange). Together, they form a term that can be translated as "arrangement," "preparation," or "organization." However, its meaning goes beyond this, depending on the context in which it is used. In formal situations, such as in the workplace, it can refer to tasks that have been planned or delegated.

In police or legal contexts, 手配 takes on a more serious tone, meaning "warrant" or "search order." For example, 指名手配[しめいてはい] refers to a warrant for arrest. This variation in meaning shows how the word adapts to different situations, making it essential for those who wish to master Japanese in multiple scenarios.

Origin and Evolution of the term

The origin of 手配 dates back to the Edo period, when the term was used to describe the organization of tasks or the distribution of resources. Over time, its use expanded to areas such as justice and administration, reflecting the need for a vocabulary that expressed both planning and execution. The combination of the kanji 手 and 配 reinforces the idea of practical action and coordination.

Interestingly, while in Portuguese we use distinct words for "preparation" and "mandate," Japanese maintains the same root, showing how the language values linguistic economy. This characteristic is common in many Japanese terms, which condense broad meanings into few characters.

How to use 手配 in daily life

In everyday life, 手配 appears frequently in professional contexts. If someone says "会議の手配をしました" (I arranged the meeting), they are indicating that they took care of the preparations. In travel, it can be used to confirm reservations or logistics, such as in "ホテルの手配は終わった？" (Have you organized the hotel?).

To memorize the word, a tip is to associate the kanji 手 with concrete actions and 配 with the idea of distribution. Thinking of "getting your hands dirty to organize something" helps to solidify the meaning. Additionally, listening to dialogues in dramas or animes where the term appears naturally can reinforce your learning in a contextualized way.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 捜査 (sōsa) - Investigation
• 追跡 (tsuiseki) - Tracking
• 追求 (tsuikyū) - Intense search for something, usually a goal or information.
• 追究 (tsuikyū) - Detailed investigation, usually in an academic or professional context.
• 追及 (tsuikyū) - Pursuit or action of reaching someone or something
• 捜索 (sōsaku) - Search or seek; generally used in a context of looking for lost people or objects.
• 捜査対象 (sōsa taishō) - Object or subject of the investigation
• 捜査目的 (sōsa mokuteki) - Objective of the investigation
• 捜査対象者 (sōsa taishōsha) - Individual who is the subject of the investigation
• 捜査対象物 (sōsa taishōbutsu) - Objects that are the subject of investigation
• 捜査目標 (sōsa mokuhyō) - Goal to be achieved during the investigation
• 捜査目的者 (sōsa mokutekisha) - Individual responsible for the objective of the investigation
• 捜査目的物 (sōsa mokutekibutsu) - Objects that serve the purpose of the investigation
• 追跡対象 (tsuiseki taishō) - Tracking object
• 追跡目的 (tsuiseki mokuteki) - Tracking objective
• 追跡対象者 (tsuiseki taishōsha) - Individual who is the target of tracking
• 追跡対象物 (tsuiseki taishōbutsu) - Objects that are the target of tracking
• 追跡目標 (tsuiseki mokuhyō) - Goal to be achieved during tracking
• 追跡目的者 (tsuiseki mokutekisha) - Individual responsible for the tracking objective
• 追跡目的物 (tsuiseki mokutekibutsu) - Objects that serve the purpose of tracking

手配

Romaji: tehai
Kana: てはい
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n1

Translation / Meaning: agreement; search (by the police)

Meaning in English: arrangement;search (by police)

Definition: Make sure to plan and prepare in advance.

Example Sentences - (手配) tehai

See below some example sentences:

この犯人は警察に手配されています。

Kono hannin wa keisatsu ni tehai sarete imasu

This criminal is being sought by the police.

The criminal is organized by the police.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this"
• 犯人 - noun that means "criminal"
• は - Particle indicating the topic of the sentence
• 警察 - noun that means "police"
• に - Particle indicating the target of the action
• 手配 - noun that means "wanted"
• されています - passive form of the verb "suru", which indicates that the action was done by the subject and not by the agent. In this case, it means "was sought"