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:

彼女は踊りの振りが上手です。

Kanojo wa odori no furi ga jouzu desu

She is good at doing the dance moves.

She is good at dancing.

• 彼女 (kanojo) - She
• は (wa) - Topic particle
• 踊り (odori) - dance
• の (no) - Possessive particle
• 振り (furi) - Movements
• が (ga) - Subject particle
• 上手 (jouzu) - Skill, skilled
• です (desu) - polite way of being

彼女はピアノを上手に弾く。

Kanojo wa piano wo jouzu ni hiku

She plays the piano very well.

She plays the piano well.

• 彼女 - she
• は - Topic particle
• ピアノ - piano
• を - direct object particle
• 上手に - skillfully
• 弾く - play (an instrument)

応急手当は大切です。

Oujo teate wa taisetsu desu

First aid are important.

First aid benefits are important.

• 応急手当 (oukyuu shutoo) - First aid
• は (wa) - Topic particle
• 大切 (taisetsu) - Important
• です (desu) - Verb to be/estar in the present

手元にはお金がありません。

temoto ni wa okane ga arimasen

I have no money with me.

I have no money in hand.

• 手元には - "in my hand"
• お金が - "money"
• ありません - "there is not/I do not have"

手伝いをしてくれてありがとう。

Tetsudai o shite kurete arigatou

Thanks for helping me.

• 手伝い (te-tsu-dai) - Ajuda, assistência
• を (wo) - direct object particle
• してくれて (shi-te-ku-re-te) - did for me
• ありがとう (a-ri-ga-to-u) - thank you

手回しをする必要がある。

Te mawashi wo suru hitsuyou ga aru

It is necessary to make the preparations.

You need to deal with it.

• 手回し - manual movement
• をする - make
• 必要 - need
• が - subject particle
• ある - exist

手入れが必要です。

Teire ga hitsuyou desu

Maintenance is required.

It is necessary to take care.

• 手入れ - care, maintenance
• が - subject particle
• 必要 - necessary
• です - Verb to be/estar in the present

手当てをする必要があります。

Teate wo suru hitsuyou ga arimasu

It is necessary to make a bandage.

You need to take care.

• 手当て - means "treatment" or "care", and can refer to medical treatments or personal care.
• を - particle that indicates the direct object of the sentence.
• する - verb "to do".
• 必要 - means "necessary" or "essential".
• が - Particle that indicates the subject of the sentence.
• あります - he verb "to exist", in its polite form, indicates that something exists or is necessary.

手引きが必要です。

Tebiki ga hitsuyou desu

We need guidance/guide.

You need a guide.

• 手引き - guide, instruction
• が - subject particle
• 必要 - necessary
• です - Verb to be/estar in the present

手紙を彼女に宛てた。

Tegami o kanojo ni atereta

I addressed the letter to her.

I sent her letter to her.

• 手紙 - letter
• を - direct object particle
• 彼女 - she
• に - target particle
• 宛てた - addressed