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:

手洗いは大切な衛生習慣です。

Tearai wa taisetsu na eisei shūkan desu

Washing hands is an important hygiene habit.

Hand washing is an important hygiene habit.

• 手洗い - handwashing
• は - Topic particle
• 大切な - important
• 衛生習慣 - hygiene habit
• です - Verb to be/estar in the present

手袋を忘れた。

tebukuro wo wasureta

I forgot my gloves.

• 手袋 (tebukuro) - gloves
• を (wo) - object particle
• 忘れた (wasureta) - forgot

手芸は私の趣味です。

Shugei wa watashi no shumi desu

Handicraft is my hobby.

• 手芸 - It means "craftsmanship" in Japanese
• は - grammatical particle that indicates the topic of the sentence
• 私 - personal pronoun that means "I"
• の - grammatical particle that indicates possession or relationship between two things
• 趣味 - means "hobby" in Japanese
• です - Verb "to be" in the present tense

手遅れになる前に行動しなければならない。

Teokure ni naru mae ni koudou shinakereba naranai

You have to act before it's too late.

• 手遅れになる - means "too late," "irreversible."
• 前に - means "before".
• 行動 - means "action", "movement".
• しなければならない - means "must do", "has to do".

手近にあるものを使ってください。

techikai ni aru mono wo tsukatte kudasai

Use the hand-held one.

• 手近にある - next, close at hand
• もの - thing, object
• を - Particle that indicates the object of the action
• 使ってください - please, use

手頃な価格の商品を探しています。

tegoro na kakaku no shouhin wo sagashiteimasu

I am looking for affordable products.

I'm looking for affordable products.

• 手頃な - affordable, reasonable
• 価格 - price
• の - particle indicating possession or connection
• 商品 - product, merchandise
• を - Particle indicating the direct object of the sentence
• 探しています - searching

手間を省くことが大切です。

tema wo habuku koto ga taisetsu desu

It is important to save time and effort.

It is important to save time.

• 手間を省く - means "to save time and effort".
• こと - It is a particle that indicates that the previous phrase is a noun.
• が - it is a particle that indicates that the previous sentence is the subject of the following sentence.
• 大切 - It means "important" or "valuable".
• です - it is a polite way to assert something.

打撃は強力な攻撃手段です。

Dageki wa kyōryoku na kōgeki shudan desu

Knock is a powerful mean attack.

• 打撃 - means "blow" or "physical attack".
• は - Grammatical particle that indicates the topic of the sentence.
• 強力な - adjective meaning "powerful" or "strong."
• 攻撃手段 - means "means of attack" or "way of attacking".
• です - Verb "to be" in polite form.

拍手をすると心が温かくなる。

Hakushu wo suru to kokoro ga atatakaku naru

Applause will warm your heart.

• 拍手 (hakushu) - applause
• をする (wo suru) - make
• と (to) - When
• 心 (kokoro) - heart, mind
• が (ga) - subject particle
• 温かく (atatakaku) - Hot, warm
• なる (naru) - become

朝早く覚めるのは苦手です。

Asa hayaku sameru no wa nigate desu

I'm not good at waking up early in the morning.

I'm not good at waking up early in the morning.

• 朝早く - Early morning
• 覚める - to wake up
• のは - Particle indicating the topic of the sentence
• 苦手 - not be good at something, not like something
• です - Verb "to be" in the present tense