Translation and Meaning of: 扱う - atsukau

If you have ever wondered how the Japanese express the idea of "dealing with something" or "handling a matter," the word 扱う (あつかう - atsukau) is the answer. In this article, we will explore its etymology, everyday use, and even tips for memorizing this essential verb. Here at Suki Nihongo, in addition to the meaning and translation, you will also learn the correct writing of the kanji and ready-made phrases to include in your Anki or other spaced repetition system.

The verb atsukau appears in various contexts, from formal situations to everyday conversations. Whether managing a problem at work or simply handling an object with care, understanding this word is an important step in mastering Japanese. Shall we uncover its secrets?

Etymology and pictogram of 扱う

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 image of "reaching with your hands to manipulate something," which makes perfect sense for the current meaning. Interestingly, the same kanji can be read as "kyū" in specific contexts, but this is a rarity that you will hardly encounter.

In ancient writing, this character appeared in texts about craftsmanship and commerce, showing how the idea of handling objects has always been linked to the word. A Japanese friend once told me that his grandparents used 扱う mainly to talk about repairs and fixes - a nuance that still persists in some regional dialects.

Everyday usage and peculiarities

In the office, you will often hear phrases like "この案件を扱ってください" (please handle this case). In stores, sellers might say "この商品は慎重に扱ってください" (please handle this product with care). The versatility of あつかう allows it to be used for both physical objects and abstract situations, which explains its popularity.

A common trap for students is confusing 扱う with 対処する (taisho suru), which also means to deal with something. The difference? While あつかう has a more practical and everyday tone, 対処する carries a weight of "facing a problem." Imagine the scene: you あつかう an important document, but you need to 対処する a data leak.

Memory tips and curiosities

To reinforce memory, associate the kanji 扱 with the image of someone extending their hand to carefully take something. A technique that worked for me was to create flashcards with images of situations where the word is used - such as a mechanic fixing a car or a teacher resolving a question.

In the world of Japanese business, there is even a well-known pun: "扱い上手は出世上手" (those who know how to handle things/people can climb the career ladder). This little cultural gem reveals how the verb is connected to professional competence in the Japanese imagination. It's no wonder it appears in so many job descriptions!

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Verb conjugation of 扱う

• 扱う - Basic dictionary form
• 扱います - Formal form
• 扱わない - negative form
• 扱いました - past form
• 扱いませんでした - Negative formal past form

Synonyms and similar words

• 取り扱う (toriatsukau) - handle, deal with
• 手がける (tegakeru) - Manage or be involved in a project
• 手配する (tehai suru) - Organize, provide
• 取り引きする (torihiki suru) - Negotiate, transact
• 手を加える (te o kuwaeru) - Make adjustments, modify
• 手を入れる (te o ireru) - Make interventions, touch on something
• 手を掛ける (te o kakeru) - Make an effort or interact in something
• 手を付ける (te o tsukeru) - Start dealing with or working on something
• 手を添える (te o soeru) - Add a touch or complement to something

扱う

Romaji: atsukau
Kana: あつかう
Type: verb
L: jlpt-n3

Translation / Meaning: lidar; deal with; treat

Meaning in English: to handle;to deal with;to treat

Definition: manipulate, process, wrap.

Example Sentences - (扱う) atsukau

See below some example sentences:

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

私たちは多くの製品を取り扱うことができます。

Watashitachi wa ōku no seihin o toriatsukau koto ga dekimasu

We can handle many products.

• 私たちは - 「私たち」
• 多くの - Many
• 製品 - "Products" in Japanese.
• を - Direct Object Particle in Japanese
• 取り扱う - "Lidar com" or "Manusear" in Japanese
• ことができます - Expression meaning "to be able to" in Japanese

薬品は注意して扱ってください。

Yakuhin wa chūi shite atsukatte kudasai

Please handle chemicals carefully.

Please be careful with chemicals.

• 薬品 - Noun meaning "chemical" or "medicine".
• は - Particle that indicates the topic of the sentence, in this case "chemical product".
• 注意して - Verb "注意する" (pay attention, be careful) in the gerund, indicating the action of paying attention.
• 扱って - Verb "扱う" (handle, deal with) in the gerund, indicating the action of dealing with the chemical product.
• ください - Verb "くださる" (give, offer) in the imperative, indicating a request for the person to do something, in this case, to be careful when dealing with the chemical.

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.

液体は容器に入れて扱ってください。

Ekitai wa yōki ni irete atsukatte kudasai

The liquid should be handled in a container.

• 液体 (ryūtai) - liquid
• は (wa) - Topic particle
• 容器 (yōki) - container
• に (ni) - target particle
• 入れて (irete) - put inside
• 扱って (atsukatte) - handle, deal with
• ください (kudasai) - Please, make.