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:

さっと手を洗いました。

Satto te wo araimashita

I quickly washed my hands.

I washed my hands quickly.

• さっと - adverb meaning "quickly"
• 手を洗いました - verb meaning "I washed my hands"

タイムリーな情報を手に入れた。

Taimurī na jōhō o te ni ireta

I have timely information.

• タイムリー - means "opportune" or "at the right time."
• な - a particle that indicates adjectives.
• 情報 - means "information".
• を - a particle that indicates the direct object of the sentence.
• 手に入れた - a verb that means "obtain" or "acquire".

ポストに手紙を投函しました。

Posto ni tegami wo toukan shimashita

I put a letter in the mailbox.

I posted a letter to the post.

• ポスト (posuto) - mail box
• に (ni) - particle indicating location
• 手紙 (tegami) - letter
• を (wo) - particle that indicates the direct object
• 投函 (toukan) - put in the mailbox
• しました (shimashita) - past tense of the verb "to do"

モノレールは便利な交通手段です。

Monorēru wa benri na kōtsū shudan desu

The monorail is a convenient means of transport.

• モノレール - Monorail
• は - Topic particle
• 便利 - convenient
• な - adjectival suffix
• 交通 - Traffic
• 手段 - Quite
• です - Polite way of "being"

交渉は相手とのコミュニケーションの重要な要素です。

Koushou wa aite to no komyunikeeshon no juuyou na youso desu

Negotiations are an important factor in communicating with the other party.

• 交渉 - Negotiation
• は - Topic particle
• 相手 - partner/opponent
• と - connecting particle
• の - Possession particle
• コミュニケーション - Communication
• の - Possession particle
• 重要な - important
• 要素 - element
• です - Verb to be/estar

人込みが苦手です。

Hitogomi ga nigate desu

I don't like crowds.

I'm not good at clustering.

• 人込み - crowd
• が - subject particle
• 苦手 - not being good at something, having difficulty
• です - polite way of being

会話が上手ですか？

Kaiwa ga jouzu desu ka?

Are you good at conversation?

Are you good at conversation?

• 会話 - means "conversation" in Japanese.
• が - Japanese grammatical particle that indicates the subject of the sentence.
• 上手 - It means "good at" or "skilled at" in Japanese.
• です - The verb "ser" in Japanese, used to indicate a polite assertion.
• か - Japanese grammatical particle indicating a question.

勝手にやってしまった。

Katte ni yatte shimatta

I did this on my own.

I did this without permission.

• 勝手に - "on your own"
• やって - "made"
• しまった - "finished"

勝手にやってください。

Katte ni yatte kudasai

Do it your way.

Please do this without permission.

• 勝手に - "on your own"
• やって - "do"
• ください - "Please"

外科手術が必要です。

Gekase shujutsu ga hitsuyou desu

Surgery is required.

• 外科手術 - General surgery
• が - subject particle
• 必要 - necessary
• です - verb to be in the polite form