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:

そっと手を握ってください。

Sotto te wo nigitte kudasai

Please hold my hand gently.

Gently hold your hand.

• そっと (sotto) - gently, softly
• 手 (te) - hand
• を (wo) - object particle
• 握って (nigitte) - hold, squeeze
• ください (kudasai) - Please, make.

この料理は名人の手によって作られました。

Kono ryōri wa meijin no te ni yotte tsukuraremashita

This dish was made by a master chef.

This dish was made by the master.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this" or "this here"
• 料理 - noun that means "cuisine" or "dish"
• は - Topic tag that indicates the subject of the sentence, in this case "this cuisine"
• 名人 - noun that means "specialist" or "master"
• の - possessive particle indicating the possession relationship, in this case "of the master"
• 手 - noun that means "hand" or "skill"
• によって - "done by the hands of the master"
• 作られました - passive verb in the past form that means "was done" or "was prepared"

このドアの取っ手はとても丈夫です。

Kono doa no totte wa totemo jōbu desu

The handle on this door is very sturdy.

The handle of this door is very durable.

• この - indicates that something is close or related to the speaker.
• ドア - door.
• の - possessive particle.
• 取っ手 - doorknob.
• は - topic particle, indicates that the subject of the sentence is the door handle.
• とても - very.
• 丈夫 - resistant.
• です - verb ser/estar in the present tense.

エアメールで手紙を送ります。

Eamēru de tegami o okurimasu

I will send a letter by air mail.

Submit a letter by aerial email.

• エアメール - means "air letter" in Japanese, a type of postal service that sends letters by air.
• で - a Japanese particle that indicates the means or method used to carry out an action. In this case, it indicates that the letter will be sent by airmail.
• 手紙 - means "letter" in Japanese.
• を - a Japanese particle that indicates the direct object of the sentence. In this case, it indicates that the letter is the direct object of the action of sending.
• 送ります - a Japanese verb meaning "to send".

コーチは運動選手を指導する人です。

Kōchi wa undō senshu wo shidō suru hito desu

A coach is someone who guides athletes.

The coach is a person who teaches athletic players.

• コーチ - trainer
• は - Topic particle
• 運動選手 - athlete
• を - direct object particle
• 指導する - instruct
• 人 - person
• です - is

この封筒には大切な手紙が入っています。

Kono fuutou ni wa taisetsu na tegami ga haitteimasu

This envelope contains an important letter.

• この - this
• 封筒 - envelope
• に - in
• は - is
• 大切な - important
• 手紙 - letter
• が - (subject particle)
• 入っています - it's inside

この手法は非常に効果的です。

Kono shuhō wa hijō ni kōkateki desu

This technique is very effective.

This method is very effective.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this" or "this here"
• 手法 - noun meaning "method" or "technique"
• は - Particle indicating the topic of the sentence
• 非常に - adverb meaning "very" or "extremely"
• 効果的 - adjective that means "effective" or "efficient"
• です - Verb "to be" in polite form

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"

この商品を入手するのは簡単ではありません。

Kono shouhin wo nyuushu suru no wa kantan de wa arimasen

It is not easy to get this product.

• この商品 - this product
• を - direct object particle
• 入手する - get
• のは - Topic particle
• 簡単ではありません - it's not easy

この手紙はあなた宛に書いています。

Kono tegami wa anata ate ni kaite imasu

This letter is written for you.

This letter was written for you.

• この手紙 - "kono tegami" - this letter
• は - wa- Topic particle
• あなた - "you" - you
• 宛に - "ate ni" - for
• 書いています - "kaite imasu" - is being written