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:

鉄道は日本の交通手段の一つです。

Tetsudou wa Nihon no koutsu shudan no hitotsu desu

The railways are one of the means of transportation in Japan.

The railway is one of Japan's means of transport.

• 鉄道 - Means "railway" in Japanese.
• は - is a Japanese grammatical particle that indicates the topic of the sentence, in this case, "railroad".
• 日本 - Means "Japan" in Japanese.
• の - is a Japanese grammatical particle that indicates possession or belonging, in this case, "of Japan".
• 交通手段 - means "means of transport" in Japanese.
• の - again, it indicates possession or belonging, in this case, "of means of transport".
• 一つ - means "one" in Japanese, in this case, "one of the means of transport".
• です - It is a polite way to say "is" in Japanese.

証明書を取得するために必要な手続きを知っていますか？

Shōmeisho o shutoku suru tame ni hitsuyōna tetsuzuki o shitte imasuka?)

Do you know what the necessary procedures are to obtain a proof certificate?

Do you know what the necessary procedures are to obtain a proof certificate?

• 証明書 - certificate
• を - direct object particle
• 取得する - obtain, acquire
• ために - in order to
• 必要な - necessary
• 手続き - procedure
• を - direct object particle
• 知っていますか？ - Do you know?

虫が苦手です。

Mushi ga nigate desu

I don't like insects.

I'm not good in insects.

• 虫 - means "insect" in Japanese
• が - Subject particle in Japanese.
• 苦手 - It means "not being good at something" or "not liking something" in Japanese.
• です - polite way of "being" in Japanese

私たちは新しい装備を手に入れました。

Watashitachi wa atarashii soubi o te ni iremashita

We have new equipment.

We have new equipment.

• 私たち - 私たち
• は - Japanese topic particle
• 新しい - "new" in Japanese
• 装備 - "equipment" in Japanese
• を - Direct Object Particle in Japanese
• 手に入れました - "acquired" in Japanese

私は歌手になりたいです。

Watashi wa kashu ni naritai desu

I want to become a singer.

I want to be a singer.

• 私 - Japanese personal pronoun that means "I"
• は - topic particle that indicates the topic of the sentence
• 歌手 - Japanese noun that means "singer" or "musical artist"
• に - particle that indicates the function or objective of an action, in this case, "to become"
• なりたい - Japanese verb in the present tense and affirmative form that means "to want to become"
• です - Japanese verb in the present tense and polite form that functions as an auxiliary verb to indicate courtesy or formality in communication

私は万年筆で手紙を書くのが好きです。

Watashi wa mannenhitsu de tegami o kaku no ga suki desu

I like to write a letter with a fountain pen.

I like to write a letter with a fountain pen.

• 私 (watashi) - personal pronoun that means "I"
• は (wa) - particle that marks the topic of the sentence
• 万年筆 (mannenhitsu) - noun meaning "fountain pen"
• で (de) - particle that indicates the means or tool used
• 手紙 (tegami) - noun meaning "letter"
• を (wo) - Particle that marks the direct object of the sentence
• 書く (kaku) - Verb meaning "to write"
• の (no) - particle indicating the nominalization of the verb
• が (ga) - Particle that marks the subject of the sentence
• 好き (suki) - The adjective that means "to like" is "gostoso" or "agradável."
• です (desu) - linking verb that indicates formality and the present tense

私はプレゼントを包むのが上手です。

Watashi wa purezento wo tsutsumu no ga jouzu desu

I'm good at wrapping presents.

I'm good at wrapping presents.

• 私 (watashi) - personal pronoun that means "I"
• は (wa) - topic particle that indicates the topic of the sentence
• プレゼント (purezento) - noun meaning "gift"
• を (wo) - direct object particle indicating the object of the action
• 包む (tsutsumu) - The verb that means "to wrap."
• のが (noga) - particle that indicates the subject of the skill
• 上手 (jouzu) - adjective meaning "good at"
• です (desu) - linking verb that indicates the state or quality of the subject

私は明日手術を受けます。

Watashi wa ashita shujutsu o ukemasu

I will have surgery tomorrow.

I will have surgery tomorrow.

• 私 (watashi) - personal pronoun that means "I"
• は (wa) - Particle indicating the topic of the sentence
• 明日 (ashita) - adverb meaning "tomorrow"
• 手術 (shujutsu) - noun that means "surgery"
• を (wo) - Particle indicating the direct object of the sentence
• 受けます (ukemasu) - verb that means "will receive" or "will undergo"

相続に関する手続きを完了しました。

Sōzoku ni kansuru tetsuzuki o kanryō shimashita

The procedure for inheritance has been completed.

The procedure for inheritance has been completed.

• 相続 (souzoku) - inheritance, succession
• に関する (ni kansuru) - related to, about
• 手続き (tetsuzuki) - procedure, process
• を (wo) - direct object particle
• 完了 (kanryou) - conclusion, finalization
• しました (shimashita) - past tense of the verb "to do"

段々上手になります。

Dandan jouzu ni narimasu

I am gradually improving.

Gradually it will become better.

• 段々 (dan dan) - gradually
• 上手 (jouzu) - skilled, good at something
• に (ni) - particle that indicates how something is done
• なります (narimasu) - To become