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:

私の手首が痛いです。

Watashi no tekubi ga itai desu

My wrist is hurting.

My wrist hurts.

• 私 (watashi) - personal pronoun that means "I"
• の (no) - possessive particle indicating that "my" is the word being modified
• 手首 (tekubi) - noun meaning "pulse"
• が (ga) - subject particle indicating that "pulse" is the subject of the sentence
• 痛い (itai) - adjective meaning "sore"
• です (desu) - linking verb that indicates that the sentence is in the present tense and is a polite statement

控除は税金を減らすための重要な手段です。

Koujo wa zeikin wo herasu tame no juuyou na shudan desu

Deductions are an important means of reducing taxes.

The deduction is an important means of reducing taxes.

• 控除 - means "deduction" in Japanese.
• は - It is a grammatical particle that indicates the topic of the sentence.
• 税金 - means "tax" in Japanese.
• を - is a grammatical particle that indicates the direct object of the sentence.
• 減らす - means "decrease" in Japanese.
• ため - means "to" or "in order to" in Japanese.
• の - is a grammatical particle that indicates possession or attribution.
• 重要な - means "important" in Japanese.
• 手段 - means "middle" or "way" in Japanese.
• です - is a polite way of stating something in Japanese.

彼は最後まで追い込んで勝利を手にした。

Kare wa saigo made oikonde shōri o te ni shita

He fought to the end and got the victory.

He drove to the end and took the victory.

• 彼 - personal pronoun "he"
• は - Topic particle
• 最後まで - "to the end"
• 追い込んで - "pursue to the limit"
• 勝利 - "victory"
• を - direct object particle
• 手にした - "conquered"

土手を歩くのは気持ちがいいです。

Dote wo aruku no wa kimochi ga ii desu

It is pleasant to walk on the embankment.

Walking on the shore is pleasant.

• 土手 - means "margin" or "gully".
• を - object particle.
• 歩く - verb meaning "walk" or "walk".
• の - particle that indicates the nominalization of the previous verb.
• は - Particle that indicates the topic of the sentence.
• 気持ち - noun meaning "feeling" or "sensation".
• が - Particle that indicates the subject of the sentence.
• いい - adjective meaning "good" or "pleasant."
• です - verb that indicates the polite or polite form of the sentence.

中々上手になりましたね。

Chuu chuu jouzu ni narimashita ne

You've improved a lot.

You got better.

• 中々 (nakanaka) - adverb meaning "quite," "very"
• 上手 (jouzu) - adjective that means "good", "skilful"
• に (ni) - particle that indicates the manner or way something is done
• なりました (narimashita) - verb that means "to become", "to stay"
• ね (ne) - particle indicating a rhetorical question or confirmation

麻痺した手で物を持つのは難しいです。

Mahi shita te de mono wo motsu no wa muzukashii desu

It is difficult to hold objects with a paralyzed hand.

It's hard to hold things with paralyzed hands.

• 麻痺した (as a verb) - paralyzed
• 手 - hand
• で - particle that indicates the means or tool used
• 物 - object
• を - Particle indicating the direct object of the action.
• 持つ - hold, carry
• のは - Particle indicating the topic of the sentence
• 難しい - difficult
• です - verb to be in the polite form

選手は勝つために練習しなければなりません。

Senshu wa katsu tame ni renshū shinakereba narimasen

Athletes must train to win.

Players must practice to win.

• 選手 - player/athlete
• は - Topic particle
• 勝つ - win
• ために - for
• 練習 - train/practice
• しなければなりません - must/needs to do

郵便局に行って手紙を出しました。

Yuubinkyoku ni itte tegami wo dashimashita

I went to the mail and sent a letter.

I went to the mail and gave a letter.

• 郵便局 - Post office
• に - particle indicating location
• 行って - Past tense form of the verb "ir"
• 手紙 - Letter
• を - particle that indicates the direct object
• 出しました - Past tense form of the verb "enviar

配布されたチラシを手に取った。

Haifu sareta chirashi wo te ni totta

I took the distributed leaflet.

• 配布された - distributed
• チラシ - leaflet
• を - object particle
• 手に取った - took his hand

彼女の派手な服装が目立つ。

Kanojo no hadena fukusō ga medatsu

Her flashy clothes stand out.

• 彼女 (kanojo) - she
• の (no) - Possession particle
• 派手 (hade) - extravagant, flashy
• な (na) - adjectival particle
• 服装 (fukusou) - clothing, attire
• が (ga) - subject particle
• 目立つ (medatsu) - highlight, draw attention