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:

機械は人間の手を助けるものです。

Kikai wa ningen no te o tasukeru mono desu

Machines are made to help human hands.

Machines help human hands.

• 機械 - machine
• は - Topic particle
• 人間 - Human
• の - Possessive particle
• 手 - hand
• を - direct object particle
• 助ける - to help
• もの - thing
• です - Verb ser/estar (polite form)

煙い部屋で過ごすのは苦手です。

Nebai heya de sugosu no wa nigate desu

I'm not good at spending time in a smoke room.

• 煙い (kusai) - full of smoke
• 部屋 (heya) - Room, living room
• で (de) - in, within
• 過ごす (sugosu) - spend time)
• のは (no wa) - Topic particle
• 苦手 (nigate) - not being good at, not liking
• です (desu) - to be, to be (polite form)

痒いところに手が届く

Kayui tokoro ni te ga todoku

Can be reached in places with itching

• 痒い (kayui) - itching, pruritus
• ところ (tokoro) - place, point
• に (ni) - target particle
• 手 (te) - hand
• が (ga) - subject particle
• 届く (todoku) - reach, arrive

発音が上手ですね。

Hatsuon ga jouzu desu ne

I'm good at pronunciation.

• 発音 - Pronunciation
• が - subject particle
• 上手 - skillful, good
• です - Verb to be/estar in the present
• ね - particle of confirmation/expectation

的確な情報を入手した。

Tokaku na jōhō o nyūshu shita

I have accurate information.

• 的確な - I need, exact
• 情報 - Information
• を - Direct object particle
• 入手した - Obtained, acquired

相手を尊重することが大切です。

Sōteki o sonchō suru koto ga taisetsu desu

It is important to respect your opponent.

It is important to respect the other person.

• 相手 - (the other) person
• を - object particle
• 尊重する - to respect
• こと - verb noun
• が - subject particle
• 大切 - important
• です - Verb to be/estar in the present

相手を大切にしましょう。

Aite wo taisetsu ni shimashou

Let's value our partners.

Take care of your opponent.

• 相手 (aite) - means "partner" or "opponent" in Japanese
• を (wo) - Direct Object Particle in Japanese
• 大切 (taisetsu) - means "important" or "precious" in Japanese
• に (ni) - destination particle in Japanese
• しましょう (shimashou) - "We will do"

石鹸で手を洗いましょう。

Sekken de te wo araimashou

Let's wash our hands with soap.

Wash your hands with soap.

• 石鹸 (せっけん) - Soap
• で - particle that indicates the means or tool used to carry out the action
• 手 (て) - hand
• を - Particle indicating the direct object of the action.
• 洗いましょう (あらいましょう) - let's wash

禁物に手を出すな。

Kinmotsu ni te wo dasu na

Do not get involved with forbidden things.

Do not put your hands in forbidden.

• 禁物 - Noun that means "forbidden thing"
• に - particle that indicates action directed towards something or someone
• 手 - noun that means "hand"
• を - Particle indicating the direct object of the action.
• 出す - verb that means "remove" or "put out"
• な - particle indicating an order or prohibition

私は彼女の手を私の手にくっ付けた。

Watashi wa kanojo no te wo watashi no te ni kutsuketa

I clasped her hand in mine.

I put her hand in mine.

• 私 (watashi) - Japanese personal pronoun that means "I"
• は (wa) - topic particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
• 彼女 (kanojo) - Japanese personal pronoun that means "she"
• の (no) - possessive particle that indicates the relationship of possession or belonging
• 手 (te) - Japanese noun meaning "hand"
• を (wo) - direct object particle indicating the object of the action
• 私 (watashi) - Japanese personal pronoun that means "I"
• の (no) - possessive particle that indicates the relationship of possession or belonging
• 手 (te) - Japanese noun meaning "hand"
• に (ni) - destination particle that indicates the place or person to which the action is directed
• くっ付けた (kutsuketa) - Japanese verb in the past that means "to join" or "to stick."