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:

尊重は相手を大切にすることです。

Sonzou wa aite wo taisetsu ni suru koto desu

Respect is to treat the other with importance.

Respect is to value the other person.

• 尊重 - Respect
• は - Topic particle
• 相手 - another person, partner
• を - direct object particle
• 大切 - important, valuable
• に - target particle
• する - to do, to accomplish
• こと - Thing, fact
• です - verb "to be"

彼は手を振った。

Kare wa te o futta

He waved his hand.

• 彼 - The Japanese pronoun that means "he" is 彼 (かれ, kare).
• は - Japanese particle that indicates the topic of the sentence, in this case "he".
• 手 - Japanese noun meaning "hand"
• を - Japanese particle that indicates the direct object of the sentence, in this case "hand."
• 振った - Japanese verb in the past that means "to shake" or "to sway."

彼は窓に手を差し伸べた。

Kare wa mado ni te o sashino beta

He reached out to the window.

He reached out to the window.

• 彼 (kare) - he (personal pronoun)
• は (wa) - Topic particle
• 窓 (mado) - window
• に (ni) - Destination particle
• 手 (te) - HAND
• を (wo) - Direct object particle
• 差し伸べた (sashino beta) - Extended (verb)

彼は手首を捻った。

Kare wa tekubi wo hineru

He twisted his wrist.

• 彼 (kare) - He
• は (wa) - Topic particle
• 手首 (tekubi) - Pulse
• を (wo) - Direct object particle
• 捻った (nejitta) - Twisted

彼は相手を殴った。

Kare wa aite o nagutta

He hit the opponent.

He defeated the opponent.

• 彼 (kare) - personal pronoun meaning "he"
• は (wa) - Particle indicating the topic of the sentence
• 相手 (aite) - noun that means "opponent" or "adversary"
• を (wo) - Particle indicating the direct object of the sentence
• 殴った (nagutta) - The verb in the past tense that means "hit" or "punched".

彼は勝負で相手を押し切った。

Kare wa shoubu de aite wo oshikitta

He won the match by overcoming his opponent.

He pushed the opponent in the game.

• 彼 - The Japanese pronoun that means "he" is 彼 (かれ, kare).
• は - Japanese topic particle
• 勝負 - Japanese noun meaning "game", "competition"
• で - particle that indicates the means or the way of doing something in Japanese
• 相手 - Japanese noun meaning "opponent", "adversary"
• を - Direct Object Particle in Japanese
• 押し切った - Japanese verb in the past that means "completely conquer", "defeat"

彼は競争相手を凌ぐ力を持っている。

Kare wa kyōsō aite o shinogu chikara o motte iru

He has the power to surpass his competitors.

He has the power to surpass competitors.

• 彼 - The Japanese personal pronoun that means "he" is "彼" (kare).
• は - Japanese topic particle
• 競争 - Japanese noun that means "competition"
• 相手 - Japanese noun that means "opponent" or "adversary."
• を - Direct Object Particle in Japanese
• 凌ぐ - Japanese verb that means "to overcome" or "to surpass."
• 力 - Japanese noun that means "strength" or "power."
• 持っている - a Japanese verb that means "to have" or "to possess"

彼はボールを転がすのが上手です。

Kare wa bōru o korogasu no ga jouzu desu

He is good at rolling the ball.

• 彼 - The Japanese personal pronoun that means "he" is "彼" (kare).
• は - Japanese particle that indicates the topic of the sentence
• ボール - Japanese noun that means "ball"
• を - Japanese particle that indicates the direct object of the sentence
• 転がす - Japanese verb meaning "to roll"
• のが - Japanese particle that indicates the nominalization of the previous verb
• 上手 - Japanese adjective that means "good at"
• です - Japanese linking verb that indicates the formality and politeness of the sentence

彼は手を挙げて質問をした。

Kare wa te o agete shitsumon o shita

He raised his hand and asked a question.

• 彼 - The Japanese personal pronoun that means "he" is "彼" (kare).
• は - topic particle indicating that the subject of the sentence is "he"
• 手 - Japanese noun meaning "hand"
• を - object particle indicating that "hand" is the direct object of the action
• 挙げて - Japanese verb meaning "lift" or "raise", conjugated in the gerund to indicate that the action is in progress
• 質問 - Japanese noun meaning "question"
• を - object particle that indicates that "question" is the direct object of the action
• した - Japanese verb "suru", conjugated in the past to indicate that the action has already been completed.

彼女はとても上手に人を扱う。

Kanojo wa totemo jouzu ni hito o atsukau

She is very good at dealing with people.

She treats people very well.

• 彼女 (kanojo) - she
• は (wa) - Topic particle
• とても (totemo) - very
• 上手 (jouzu) - skillful, good
• に (ni) - Target particle
• 人 (hito) - person
• を (wo) - direct object particle
• 扱う (atsukau) - deal with, treat