Translation and Meaning of: 手 - te

The Japanese word 手[て] is one of the most fundamental and versatile in the language. Its main meaning is "hand," but its usage goes far beyond that, appearing in everyday expressions, proverbs, and even technical terms. In this article, we will explore everything from the basics, such as writing and pronunciation, to cultural curiosities and tips for memorizing this essential kanji.

If you are learning Japanese, understanding 手[て] is crucial. It not only describes a part of the body but is also present in compound words and idiomatic phrases. In the Suki Nihongo dictionary, you will find practical examples, but here we will focus on the cultural context and the details that make this word so interesting.

Meaning and use of 手[て]

The primary meaning of 手[て] is "hand," but its use extends to concepts such as skill, help, and even side in a game or dispute. For example, 手伝う[てつだう] means "to help," showing how the idea of a hand connects with support. In more technical contexts, such as martial arts, 手 can refer to specific techniques or movements.

Another interesting aspect is the frequency with which this word appears in daily life. It is used in expressions like 手が空く[てがあく] (to be free, literally "the hands are empty") and 手を貸す[てをかす] (to lend a hand, meaning to help). This versatility makes 手[て] one of the first words that Japanese language learners need to master.

Origin and writing of the kanji 手

The kanji 手 has a clear pictographic origin: it represents a hand with extended fingers. Its simplified form retains this essence, making it relatively easy to recognize and write. According to the Kangorin dictionary, this character was already used in ancient Chinese before being incorporated into Japanese, maintaining its central meaning throughout the centuries.

A useful tip for memorizing the kanji 手 is to associate it with the image of a hand in action. Some students find a resemblance between the top stroke and a wrist, while the lower strokes resemble fingers. This visual approach can make learning easier, especially for those who are just starting to study kanji.

Cultural curiosities about 手[て]

In Japan, the hand (手) has a deep cultural significance. In traditional ceremonies like tea, hand movements follow specific protocols. Furthermore, expressions such as 手を合わせる[てをあわせる] (to bring the hands together in prayer) demonstrate how the physical and the spiritual connect through this word.

Another interesting fact is the use of 手 in the names of artistic techniques. In Noh theater, for example, there are 型[かた] (forms) that include specific hand positions. Even in mangas and animes, gestures with hands often carry symbolic meanings, reinforcing the cultural importance of this simple yet nuanced term.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 掌 (shō) - Palm of the hand
• 手のひら (te no hira) - Palm of the hand
• 手掌 (shushō) - Palm of the hand (more formal)
• 手の甲 (te no kō) - Back of the hand
• 手首から先 (tekubi kara saki) - From the wrist to the fingertips
• 手指 (teshi) - Dedos das mãos
• 手袋 (tebukuro) - gloves
• 手形 (tegata) - Handprint (or receipt/note)
• 手回し (temawashi) - Manual (or with hands)
• 手品 (tebina) - Magic or magic tricks
• 手際 (tegiwa) - Habilidade manual
• 手綱 (tazuna) - Reins (for guiding an animal)
• 手引き (tebiki) - Orientation or guide
• 手配 (tehai) - Organization or arrangement
• 手腕 (shuwan) - Manual capacity or skill
• 手順 (tejun) - Etapas ou procedimentos
• 手続き (tetsuzuki) - Formal processes or procedures
• 手筈 (tehazu) - Preparation or plan
• 手助け (tedasuke) - Support or help
• 手拭い (tenugui) - Hand towel
• 手招き (temaneki) - Hand invitation
• 手押し (teoshi) - Push with the hand
• 手抜き (tenuki) - Work done quickly or carelessly
• 手折り (teori) - Break with the hand
• 手押し車 (teoshi-sha) - Wheelbarrow
• 手押し式 (teoshi-shiki) - Hand-pushed type
• 手抜き仕事 (tenuki shigoto) - Careless work (in hand)
• 手抜き料理 (tenuki ryōri) - Quick or simplified cooking
• 手抜き洗濯 (tenuki sentaku) - Washing clothes in a hurry
• 手抜き掃除 (tenuki sōji) - Cleaning done quickly
• 手抜き作業 (tenuki sagyō) - Work done in a rushed manner
• 手抜き手帳 (tenuki techō) - Agenda with simplified information

手

Romaji: te
Kana: て
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n5

Translation / Meaning: hand

Meaning in English: hand

Definition: Hand: The hand refers to the organ that consists of the palm and fingers at the end of the arm.

Example Sentences - (手) te

See below some example sentences:

毛糸で手袋を編みました。

Keito de tebukuro wo amimashita

I knit mittens from wool yarn.

I knit mittens from wool.

• 毛糸 - Wool thread
• で - particle that indicates the means or instrument used
• 手袋 - gloves
• を - Particle indicating the direct object of the action.
• 編みました - verb "háeru", meaning "to knit", in the affirmative past tense

攻撃は最後の手段だ。

Kougeki wa saigo no shudan da

The attack is the last resort.

The attack is a last resort.

• 攻撃 - It means "attack" in Japanese.
• は - It is a grammatical particle that indicates the topic of the sentence, in this case, "attack".
• 最後 - It means "last" in Japanese.
• の - It is a grammatical particle that indicates possession or belonging.
• 手段 - It means "means" or "method" in Japanese.
• だ - It is a grammatical particle that indicates the end of the sentence and can be translated as "is" or "to be."

手品を見せてください。

Tejina wo misete kudasai

Please show me a magic trick.

Please show me the magic.

• 手品 - magic, magic trick
• を - direct object particle
• 見せて - verb "show" in the imperative
• ください - please, polite request expression

手段は目的を達成するための重要な要素です。

Shudan wa mokuteki o tassei suru tame no juuyou na youso desu

The means are an important element in achieving a goal.

A means is an important factor in achieving your goals.

• 手段 (shudan) - means
• は (wa) - Particle indicating the topic of the sentence
• 目的 (mokuteki) - objective
• を (wo) - Particle indicating the direct object of the sentence
• 達成する (tassei suru) - Achieve, accomplish
• ための (tame no) - from, to
• 重要な (juuyou na) - important
• 要素 (yousou) - element
• です (desu) - verb to be in the polite form

手順を守って作業してください。

Tejun wo mamotte sagyou shite kudasai

Please follow the instructions and do the job.

Follow the procedure and work.

• 手順 - procedure
• を - object particle
• 守って - follow
• 作業 - work
• して - doing
• ください - Please

彼女の料理の手際は素晴らしいです。

Kanojo no ryōri no tegiwa wa subarashīdesu

Your culinary skills are wonderful.

Her cuisine is wonderful.

• 彼女 - her in Japanese
• の - Particle that indicates possession
• 料理 - "culinária" in Japanese
• の - Particle that indicates possession
• 手際 - "skill" or "dexterity" in Japanese
• は - Particle indicating the topic of the sentence
• 素晴らしい - "wonderful" or "excellent" in Japanese
• です - verb "to be" in Japanese, indicating a polite statement

彼は相手を突いた。

Kare wa aite wo tsuita

He pushed the opponent.

He pierced the opponent.

• 彼 (kare) - He
• は (wa) - Topic particle
• 相手 (aite) - Opponent, adversary, enemy
• を (wo) - Direct object particle
• 突いた (tsuita) - Pierced, stabbed, struck

対話は相手を理解するための重要な手段です。

Taidowa wa aite o rikai suru tame no juuyou na shudan desu

Dialogue is an important means of understanding the other person.

Dialogue is an important means to understand the other person.

• 対話 (taiwa) - dialogue
• は (wa) - Topic particle
• 相手 (aite) - another person, interlocutor
• を (wo) - direct object particle
• 理解する (rikai suru) - Understand
• ための (tame no) - for
• 重要な (juuyou na) - important
• 手段 (shudan) - middle, method
• です (desu) - Verb to be/estar

切開手術は非常に重要です。

Sekkai shujutsu wa hijō ni jūyō desu

Cutting surgery is very important.

Copple surgery is very important.

• 切開手術 - incision surgery
• は - Topic particle
• 非常に - extremely
• 重要 - important
• です - Verb "to be" in polite form

ポケットに手を入れる。

Poketto ni te wo ireru

Put your hand in your pocket.

Put your hand in your pocket.

• ポケット (poketto) - bag
• に (ni) - particle indicating location
• 手 (te) - hand
• を (wo) - particle indicating direct object
• 入れる (ireru) - put inside