Translation and Meaning of: 扱い - atsukai

If you have ever wondered how the Japanese express the idea of "treatment" or "service" in everyday situations, the word 扱い (あつかい) is key to understanding this concept. In this article, we will explore its etymology, meaning, practical use, and even tips to memorize this kanji that is so present in Japanese daily life. Here at Suki Nihongo, the largest online Japanese dictionary, you will also discover how to write this term correctly and ready-made sentences to include in your Anki or spaced repetition method.

In addition to its basic meaning, 扱い carries interesting nuances that reflect Japanese culture, from impeccable service in stores to the way objects are handled. Is there a connection between the pictogram and the meaning of the word? And why does this word appear so often in formal and informal contexts? Let's uncover all of this below.

Etymology and Origin of the Kanji 扱い

The kanji 扱 is composed of two elements: the hand (扌) on the left, indicating manual action, and the radical 及 on the right, which suggests reach or extension. Together, they paint the picture of "handling something with care" or "dealing with a situation." This combination is not coincidental — since the Edo period, the term has been used to describe both the handling of objects and the treatment between people.

Interestingly, the verb 扱う (あつかう) appeared in texts from the 10th century with the meaning of "to handle." Over time, the noun 扱い gained prominence in everyday vocabulary to refer to services, especially in commerce. You may have seen phrases in stores like 丁寧な扱い (careful service) — a compliment that every establishment hopes to receive.

Practical Use in Japanese Daily Life

In restaurants or hotels, the quality of 扱い can make all the difference in the customer experience. The Japanese often say お客様扱い (treatment as a special guest) to define the gold standard of service. But be careful: 雑な扱い (careless treatment) is a serious criticism, whether for poorly packaged products or rude service.

Outside of a commercial context, the word appears in unexpected situations. A collector might complain このカメラはデリケートな扱いが必要だ (this camera needs delicate handling). Even in relationships, we hear 彼はみんなに公平な扱いをする (he treats everyone equally). Do you see how the term goes beyond literal translation?

Tips to Memorize and Master the Term

To fix the kanji 扱, imagine a hand (扌) grabbing something that extends (及) — like a waiter carefully serving a tray. The reading あつかい also appears in 熱い (hot), which can help remember that good treatment "warms" the heart. How about creating a flashcard with the phrase この店の扱いは最高！(the service of this shop is excellent!)?

A common mistake among students is to confuse 扱い with 対応 (response/service). While the former focuses on "how" something is handled, the latter deals with the "act of responding." Next time you go to a konbini, pay attention: the clerk provides a quick 対応, but it’s the 扱い that determines whether your purchases will be wrapped carefully.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 扱い ( atsukai ) - management, treatment
• 取り扱い ( toriatsukai ) - manipulation, operation (usually in a business context)
• 取扱い ( toriatsukai ) - manipulation, operation (usually in a business context)
• 扱う ( atsukau ) - to handle, to deal with
• 取り扱う ( toriatsukau ) - manipulate, operate (usually in a business context)
• 取扱う ( toriatsukau ) - manipulate, operate (usually in a business context)

扱い

Romaji: atsukai
Kana: あつかい
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n1

Translation / Meaning: treatment; service

Meaning in English: treatment;service

Definition: lidar. for use.

Example Sentences - (扱い) atsukai

See below some example sentences:

この商品の取り扱いには十分注意してください。

Kono shouhin no toriatsukai ni wa juubun chuui shite kudasai

Please be careful enough when handling this product.

Be careful when handling this product.

• この商品 - This product
• の - Possessive particle
• 取り扱い - Handling
• には - Particle that indicates focus or attention
• 十分 - Sufficient
• 注意 - Attention
• してください - Please, do it.

不当な扱いを受けた。

Futou na atsukai wo uketa

I received an unfair treatment.

I was treated unfairly.

• 不当な - unfair, inappropriate
• 扱い - treatment, management
• を - direct object particle
• 受けた - received (past tense of the verb 受ける - ukeru)

同等の扱いを受ける権利がある。

Dōtō no atsukai o ukeru kenri ga aru

Everyone has the right to receive equal treatment.

There is a right to be treated equally.

• 同等の - means "equal" or "equivalent".
• 扱い - means "treatment" or "way of dealing with something or someone".
• を - particle that indicates the direct object of the sentence.
• 受ける - verb meaning "to receive".
• 権利 - means "right" or "privilege".
• が - Particle that indicates the subject of the sentence.
• ある - Verb that means "to exist" or "to have".