Translation and Meaning of: 握手 - akushu

If you have ever watched a Japanese drama or participated in a business meeting in Japan, you have probably heard the word 握手 (あくしゅ), which means "handshake." But do you know how this term originated or why it is written with these specific kanji? Here, in the largest online Japanese dictionary, you will discover not only the etymology and meaning of 握手, but also how to use it in everyday sentences and even tips to memorize its pictogram. Let's explore everything from the Chinese origin of this word to curiosities about its use in modern Japanese culture.

Etymology and origin of 握手

The word 握手 is a classic example of a term borrowed from Chinese, where the kanji maintains a meaning very close to the original. The first character, 握 (aku), means "to hold" or "to grasp," while the second, 手 (shu), represents "hand." Together, they form the idea of "holding hands," which is exactly what happens in a handshake. Interestingly, this term was introduced in Japan during the Meiji period, when the country began to adopt more Western customs, including the practice of handshaking.

It is worth noting that, although the kanji 握 can be used in other contexts—such as in 握力 (akuryoku), which means "grip strength"—it gains a very specific meaning when combined with 手. This combination is so intuitive that even those who are just starting to learn Japanese can deduce the meaning just by looking at the ideograms. By the way, have you noticed how the writing of 手 looks like a hand with the fingers extended? This is one of the beauties of kanji: often, the shape already gives a hint of the meaning.

Lies in daily life and Japanese culture

In Japan, 握手 is not as common as in the West. The Japanese traditionally prefer bows (お辞儀) as a form of greeting, especially in formal situations. However, in international contexts or in business environments with foreigners, handshakes have become more frequent. If you have ever participated in a meeting with Japanese executives, you may have noticed that some still hesitate before extending their hand—it's a habit that is still adapting to the local culture.

An interesting detail is that, unlike countries where a handshake is firm and prolonged, in Japan it tends to be softer and quicker. Many people search on Google if there is a "correct way" to do a 握手 in Japan, and the answer is: yes, moderation is key. Avoid gripping too tightly or shaking hands excessively, as this can be seen as rude. And if you're unsure, observe how the other person acts and follow their example.

Tips for memorization and curiosities

If you are struggling to remember how to write 握手, a useful technique is to associate the kanjis with images. As mentioned before, 手 looks like a hand, so that's already halfway there. On the other hand, 握 has the hand radical (扌) on the left, which reinforces the idea of "holding." A fun way to fix this in your mind is to think of a scene where you literally "grab someone's hand"—the more vivid the image, the easier it is to remember.

Another interesting fact is that, although 握手 is the standard word for "handshake," you can find variations in specific contexts. For example, in the world of sports, we often hear ハンドシェイク (handshake), a loanword from English. This shows how the Japanese language absorbs foreign terms without completely abandoning its own expressions. So, are you ready to practice your next 握手 with confidence?

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

握り合い (nigiri ai) - Acts or physical provocations with the hands
握り手 (nigiri te) - Hand that holds or squeezes
握手する (akushu suru) - To perform a handshake
握手を交わす (akushu o kawasu) - Changing handshakes
握手を求める (akushu o motomeru) - Request a handshake
握手を迫る (akushu o semaru) - Insist on a handshake
握手を交わすこと (akushu o kawasu koto) - The act of exchanging handshakes
握手を交わす儀式 (akushu o kawasu gishiki) - Handshake ritual
握手を交わす習慣 (akushu o kawasu shuukan) - Habit of shaking hands
握手を交わす風習 (akushu o kawasu fuushuu) - Handshake costumes
握手を交わす慣習 (akushu o kawasu kanshuu) - Practice shaking hands
握手を交わす習俗 (akushu o kawasu shuuzoku) - Traditions of shaking hands
握手を交わす儀式を行う (akushu o kawasu gishiki o okonau) - Perform the handshake ritual
握手を交わす習慣がある (akushu o kawasu shuukan ga aru) - There are habits of shaking hands
握手を交わす習俗がある (akushu o kawasu shuuzoku ga aru) - There are traditions of shaking hands.
握手を交わすことが礼儀 (akushu o kawasu koto ga reigi) - Shaking hands is a matter of etiquette.
握手を交わすことがマナー (akushu o kawasu koto ga mana) - Shaking hands is a matter of good manners.