Hands and skill with

手 refers to the part of the human body from the shoulder to the fingertips. It also has a wide range of meanings, such as skill, method, and a person who works.

Etymology

This kanji is an ancient pictogram. It is the shape of a hand, old forms as a drawing of fingers and palm.

The Hand

(Hand)

手(て) is a hand. It also means a way or means, or help from someone.

Example 1 of 5: Hidden behind the short hand with 短針
Example 1 of 5
Manga panel from 怪盗セイント・テール showing example of Hidden behind the short hand with 短針.
怪盗セイント・テール » Volume 1 » Page 54

Asuka Jr. is tasked with guarding a jeweled tiara, which Saint Tail has stated her intention to steal. The owner tells Asuka Jr. it’s been hidden behind the short hand on a clock tower, so Asuka Jr. waits below the face of the clock for Saint Tail’s arrival. He tells the owner that Saint Tail will likely arrive precisely at 6 o’clock.

アスカ Jr.:
「ここから短針(たんしん)に手(て)がとどくのは六(ろく)時(じ)だけです」
“The hour hand is only within reach from here at six o'clock.”
「ほかの時間(じかん)と針(はり)からティアラを盗(ぬす)みだすのは不可能(ふかのう)なんですよ」
“At any other time, it would be impossible to steal the tiara from the hand, you see.”
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Example 2 of 5: Wave for me with 〜てくれる
Example 2 of 5
Manga panel from よつばと! showing example of Wave for me with 〜てくれる.
よつばと! » Volume 1 » Page 8

Yotsuba and her father are driving to their new home. As they pass a school letting out, Yotsuba waves to a student. When the student waves back, Yotsuba tells her father to wave too.

よつば:
「おねーちゃんが手(て)ぇふった! とーちゃんもふれ!」
“The girl waved! Daddy, you wave too!”
父(とう)さん:
「とーちゃん手(て)がはなせないからな俺(おれ)の分(ぶん)もよつばがふってくれ」
“Dad's hands are full, so Yotsuba, please wave for me too.”
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Example 3 of 5: Plunging one's hand into fire with 突っ込む
Example 3 of 5
Manga panel from キラキラとギラギラ showing example of Plunging one's hand into fire with 突っ込む.
キラキラとギラギラ » Volume 1 » Page 35

Lulu recognizes the dropped charm she found as the one she made for her childhood friend Zen before he moved away. A delinquent classmate takes it from her and throws it into the school incinerator to defy Zen. Lulu tries to retrieve it, but the fire forces her back. Zen appears and reaches into the flames.

不良(ふりょう):
「こ…こいつ」
“Th-this guy...”
「燃(も)え盛(さか)る炎(ほのお)に手(て)を突(つ)っ込(こ)んでやがる」
“He's thrusting his hand into the raging flames!”
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Example 4 of 5: Strange incidents on after another in Tokyo with 続出
Example 4 of 5
Manga panel from 美少女戦士セーラームーン showing example of Strange incidents on after another in Tokyo with 続出.
美少女戦士セーラームーン » Volume 1 » Page 28

Luna introduces herself to Usagi, but Usagi thinks she’s dreaming if a cat is speaking to her. Luna gives Usagi a special brooch, then proceeds to explain the dire situation that has brought them together.

ルナ:
「いまTOKYOは変(へん)な事件(じけん)が続出(ぞくしゅつ)してるわ」
“Strange incidents are popping up all over Tokyo these days.”
「警察(けいさつ)の手(て)にはおえないような事件(じけん)がね」
“Incidents that seem beyond the police's control, you know.”
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Example 5 of 5: That teaching style with あれ
Example 5 of 5
Manga panel from ご注文はうさぎですか? showing example of That teaching style with あれ.
ご注文はうさぎですか? » Volume 1 » Page 106

At a pool visit, it’s learned that Rize doesn’t know how to swim. Syaro suggests she practice using a kickboard, but there’s something Rize is more interested in trying.

リゼ:
「手(て)を引(ひ)っ張(ぱ)るやつ あれがやりたい」
“Being pulled along by the hands. I want to try that.”
シャロ:
「リゼ先輩(せんぱい)意外(いがい)と子供(こども)だ」
“Rize-senpai is surprisingly childish.”
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(Busy)

手(て)がはなせない is being too occupied with something to step away. It is also written 手(て)が離(はな)せない.

Manga panel from よつばと! showing example of Wave for me with 〜てくれる.
よつばと! » Volume 1 » Page 8

Yotsuba and her father are driving to their new home. As they pass a school letting out, Yotsuba waves to a student. When the student waves back, Yotsuba tells her father to wave too.

よつば:
「おねーちゃんが手(て)ぇふった! とーちゃんもふれ!」
“The girl waved! Daddy, you wave too!”
父(とう)さん:
「とーちゃん手(て)がはなせないからな俺(おれ)の分(ぶん)もよつばがふってくれ」
“Dad's hands are full, so Yotsuba, please wave for me too.”
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Ability

(Weak point)

苦手(にがて) means something one is bad at or someone one finds difficult to deal with.

It combines 苦 (difficult) with 手 (skill) to show a skill area that feels difficult.

Example 1 of 5: An all-around athlete with 万能
Example 1 of 5
Manga panel from それでも歩は寄せてくる showing example of An all-around athlete with 万能.
それでも歩は寄せてくる » Volume 10 » Page 84

Urushi asks Rin about what Ayumu was like in middle school.

うるし:
「真面目(まじめ)だけど少(すこ)し抜(ぬ)けてていつも真剣(しんけん)で勉強(べんきょう)苦手(にがて)でスポーツ万能(ばんのう)か」
“Serious but a bit absent-minded, always earnest, struggles with academics, but excels at sports, huh?”
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Example 2 of 5: Bad at carbonated drinks with 炭酸
Example 2 of 5
Manga panel from あずまんが大王 showing example of Bad at carbonated drinks with 炭酸.
あずまんが大王 » Volume 2年生 » Page 46

A case of the hiccups sends Ayumu down the path of trying each of her friends’ potential solutions. Tomo suggests drinking water as a cure.

歩(あゆむ):
「ジュースでもええんか?」
“Is juice okay too?”
とも:
「いいんじゃねーの?あ炭酸(たんさん)系(けい)なんか効(き)きそうだぞ」
“Yeah, that should be fine, right? Actually, carbonated stuff might work even better.”
歩(あゆむ):
「あかんあかん炭酸(たんさん)は苦手(にがて)やねん」
“No no, I can't do carbonated drinks. I'm bad with them.”
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Example 3 of 5: Having you eat carrots for me with 〜てもらう
Example 3 of 5
Manga panel from あしたは土曜日 showing example of Having you eat carrots for me with 〜てもらう.
あしたは土曜日 » Volume 秋・冬 » Page 35

Yukari offers Mina the carrots from her lunch, as Yukari doesn’t like carrots. Mina gladly accepts them and offers Yukari one of her dumplings in return.

ユカリ:
「えー悪(わる)いよ、苦手(にがて)なもの食(た)べてもらうのに。」
“Eh~, I feel bad making you eat something I don't like.”
ミナ:
「いいよー 私(わたし)にんじん好(す)きだしー。」
“It's fine~ I like carrots anyway~.”
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Example 4 of 5: Making a point of trying horror movies with 〜ようにしている
Example 4 of 5
Komura and Mie stand side by side on a wide paved walkway outside a large building lined with trees. Komura wears a striped shirt and a backpack, and Mie wears a dress.
好きな子がめがねを忘れた » Volume 7 » Page 97

Komura and Mie have spent the day at the aquarium. Now the two of them are walking together outside.

三重(みえ):
「それでね」
“So, um...”
「ホラー映画(えいが)苦手(にがて)なんだけど」
“I'm no good with horror movies, but...”
「最近(さいきん)はちょっと観(み)てみるようにしてるの」
“...lately I've been making a point of trying to watch them a little.”
小村(こむら):
「えっ…なんで?」
“Huh...? Why?”
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Example 5 of 5: Place of part-time job with 〜先
Example 5 of 5
Manga panel from ご注文はうさぎですか? showing example of Place of part-time job with 〜先.
ご注文はうさぎですか? » Volume 1 » Page 55

Syaro explains the qualities of a shop’s tea cup, but Rize points out that her workplace primarily sells coffee.

シャロ:
「リゼ先輩(せんぱい)のバイト先(さき)行(い)ってみたかったのに…」
“I wanted to try going to Rize-senpai's part-time workplace...”
ココア:
「もしかしてコーヒー苦手(にがて)?」
“Do you not like coffee?”
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Control and Conduct

(One's own way)

勝手(かって) means one’s own way or convenience. 勝手(かって)に often describes acting on one’s own, especially without permission or regard for others.

勝手 is a conventional compound whose modern senses are not a direct combination of its kanji.

Manga panel from くノ一ツバキの胸の内 showing example of Doing as you please is strictly forbidden with 〜べからず.
くノ一ツバキの胸の内 » Volume 1 » Page 106

Sazanka sneaks out of class, leaving the teacher to send Asagao to bring her back. As Asagao chases Sazanka across the rooftops near the upper grade classroom, Tsubaki spots them. She meets them up on the roof and recites the school’s first rule.

ツバキ:
「ひとつ。無断(むだん)で勝手(かって)な行動(こうどう)をとるべからず。」
“One: Doing as you please without permission is strictly forbidden.”
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(Without permission)

勝手(かって)に describes doing something on one’s own, without asking or being asked.

It combines 勝手 (one's own convenience) with に (adverb ending) to show as one pleases.

Example 1 of 3: Koto lessons with 稽古
Example 1 of 3
Manga panel from 名探偵コナン showing example of Koto lessons with 稽古.
名探偵コナン » Volume 6 » Page 27

Hired to confirm whether a client’s wife is having an affair, Kogoro reveals a candid photo he took of the wife with another man. The client mentions he let his staff take a break so they wouldn’t know about Kogoro’s visit. Kogoro asks if that includes the client’s wife.

伝次郎(でんじろう):
「いや… 稲子(いねこ)は琴(こと)の稽古(けいこ)があるといって昼前(ひるまえ)に勝手(かって)に出(で)かけたよ」
“No... Ineko said she had a koto lesson and went out on her own before noon.”
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Example 2 of 3: Receiving an embrace with 〜れる
Example 2 of 3
Manga panel from ご注文はうさぎですか? showing example of Receiving an embrace with 〜れる.
ご注文はうさぎですか? » Volume 1 » Page 24

Tippy is glad that Cocoa is around to be friends with Chino, but it’s a problem for him.

ティッピー:
「だがその勝手(かって)に抱(だ)きつかれると困(こま)るというか」
“But being hugged like that without warning is a bit troubling.”
「わしもほら今(いま)はこんな身体(からだ)だけど一応(いちおう)アレだし…」
“I may have a body like this now, but I'm still, you know...”
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Example 3 of 3: Seasonal uniform change contest with 勝負
Example 3 of 3
Manga panel from からかい上手の高木さん showing example of Seasonal uniform change contest with 勝負.
からかい上手の高木さん » Volume 11 » Page 7

Nishikata arrives at school wearing his winter school uniform. He finds Takagi still wearing her summer uniform. Nishikata’s reason for the switch is that he heard the weather forecast for cooler temperatures. Takagi laments her carelessness.

高木(たかぎ):
「同(おな)じタイミングで衣(ころも)替(が)えできたら私(わたし)の勝(か)ちって勝負(しょうぶ)してたのに。」
“We had a contest going where if we switched uniforms at exactly the same time, it would count as my win.”
西片(にしかた):
「勝手(かって)に!?」
“You just decided that on your own!?”
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Effort

(Time and effort)

手間(てま) means the time and effort needed to do something.

It combines 手 (hand) with 間 (interval) to show the time and labor taken up by the hands.

Manga panel from くノ一ツバキの胸の内 showing example of Enthusiasm in giving a bribe with ノリ気.
くノ一ツバキの胸の内 » Volume 3 » Page 117

Hinagiku wants to see behind Rindou’s mask. Since Sazanka was scolded for trying the same, Hinagiku suggests they team up to take Rindou’s mask away. Asagao opposes the proposition, but Sazanka immediately quiets her by offering a bribe for her support.

ヒナギク:
「ふーん。そっちでアサガオ買収(ばいしゅう)してくれるなんて、ノリ気(き)じゃない。」
“Hmm. If you're willing to bribe Asagao on your side, you're pretty into this, aren't you?”
「私(わたし)の術(じゅつ)で言(い)うこときかせる手間(てま)が省(はぶ)けたわ。」
“Saves me the trouble using my technique to make her do as I say.”
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(To have trouble with)

手(て)を焼(や)く is to struggle to deal with someone or something difficult.

Manga panel from まじっく快斗 showing example of No way he can win with 〜っこない.
まじっく快斗 » Volume 1 » Page 14

As he performs one trick after another, Kaito says he’s unbeatable at magic. Aoko says he can’t win against Kaitou Kid, the magic-using thief her police father has yet to apprehend. Kaito disregards the claim and continues disrupting class with his tricks.

青子(あおこ):
「なによ、かっこつけちゃって… 勝(か)てっこないじゃない……」
“What's with all that showing off? There's no way he can win.”
「お父(とう)さんだって、手(て)を焼(や)いてるんだから」
“Even Dad is having a hard time of it.”
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(Help)

お手伝(てつだ)い is helping someone with their work or chores. お手伝いさん also means a housekeeper.

Example 1 of 3: Arranged to assist in a lab with 〜ことになる
Example 1 of 3
Manga panel from 美少女戦士セーラームーン showing example of Arranged to assist in a lab with 〜ことになる.
美少女戦士セーラームーン » Volume 5 » Page 235

Reika sees an unknown person in the old lab next to her class’s. She asks the woman if she’s an assistant.

せつな:
「いえ 学生(がくせい)です理学部(りがくぶ)の」
“No, I'm a student, in the science department.”
「こちらの研究室(けんきゅうしつ)のお手伝(てつだ)いをさせて頂(いただ)くことになって」
“It's arranged for me to help out in this lab.”
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Example 2 of 3: Place of lodging with 〜先
Example 2 of 3
Manga panel from ご注文はうさぎですか? showing example of Place of lodging with 〜先.
ご注文はうさぎですか? » Volume 1 » Page 50

Since Cocoa helps out at Chino’s house where she’s staying, she considers the situation if she were instead staying with Chiya.

ココア:
「私(わたし)の下宿(げしゅく)先(さき)が千夜(ちや)ちゃんの家(いえ) だったらここでお手伝(てつだ)い させてもらってたんだろうなー」
“If my lodging place were Chiya-chan's house, I probably would've been allowed to help out here.”
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Example 3 of 3: Please let me help you with 〜させてください
Example 3 of 3
Manga panel from ARIA The MASTERPIECE showing example of Please let me help you with 〜させてください.
ARIA The MASTERPIECE » Volume 3 » Page 287

Akari meets Woody as he’s out on a delivery run. He’s in a spot of trouble because he’s lost his map, and there isn’t enough time for him to go back and get it. Akari is familiar with the city and realizes she can lend him her knowledge.

灯里(あかり):
「あっ… あの!」
“Ah, um!”
「もしも私(わたし)でよかったら… お手伝(てつだ)いさせてくださいっ!」
“If I would be okay... Please let me help you!”
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Gestures

(Handshake)

握手(あくしゅ) is shaking hands with someone as a greeting or a sign of agreement.

It combines 握 (grip) with 手 (hand) to show hands gripping each other.

Manga panel from 名探偵コナン showing example of Merely by shaking hands with 握手.
名探偵コナン » Volume 1 » Page 17

Shin’ichi treats Ran to a day at Tropical Land as a reward for winning the city karate tournament. As they wait in line for a ride on the roller coaster, Shin’ichi explains all the reasons why Sherlock Holmes was the greatest detective.

新一(しんいち):
「助手(じょしゅ)のワトソンに初(はじ)めて会(あ)った時(とき)、握手(あくしゅ)しただけで、彼(かれ)が軍医(ぐんい)でアフガンに行(い)ってた事(こと)を見(み)抜(ぬ)いてしまったんだ…」
“The first time he met his assistant Watson, Holmes could tell just from a handshake that he was a military doctor who had been stationed in Afghanistan...”
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Handheld Objects

(Hand mirror)

手鏡(てかがみ) means a small handheld mirror.

It combines 手 (hand) with 鏡 (mirror) to show a mirror held in the hand.

Manga panel from 美少女戦士セーラームーン showing example of Protective hand mirror with 手鏡.
美少女戦士セーラームーン » Volume 5 » Page 160

Seeing Chibiusa leaving Hotaru’s house, Haruka and Michiru stop over to pick her up. Michiru asks what the two were talking about, and Chibiusa explains that it was a conversation about amulets and their mysterious protective powers. She asks if Michiru has one. Michiru says her mirror may be protective, to which Chibiusa says it must be an amulet.

みちる:
「あたしのこの手鏡(てかがみ)はそんな可愛(かわい)らしい物(もの)じゃないわね」
“This hand mirror of mine isn't something that cute.”
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(Handmade)

手製(てせい) describes something made by hand, especially by oneself.

It combines 手 (hand) with 製 (made) to show made by hand.

Manga panel from ご注文はうさぎですか? showing example of Wanting to bake bread again with 〜たい.
ご注文はうさぎですか? » Volume 1 » Page 34

Cocoa and Chiya pass by a bakery. Cocoa stops to admire the bread in the window.

ココア:
「実家(じっか)がベーカリーでよく作(つく)ってたんだ」
“My family runs a bakery, so I used to bake bread all the time.”
「また作(つく)りたいなぁ」
“I want to make it again.”
千夜(ちや):
「お手製(てせい)なの?すごい!」
“You made these yourself? Amazing!”
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(Shuriken)

手裏剣(しゅりけん) is a throwing star, the small bladed weapon used by ninja.

It combines 手 (hand), 裏 (inside), and 剣 (blade) to show a blade hidden in the hand.

Manga panel from ひとりぼっちの○○生活 showing example of Do you want an origami ninja star with んです.
ひとりぼっちの○○生活 » Volume 2 » Page 47

A couple of girls admire the foreign student Sotoka, as she has a sparkle about her. Sotoka notices the girls, mistaking their admiration as being for the origami ninja stars adorning her school bag.

ソトカ:
「ほしいんですか?手裏剣(これ)」
“Is it that you want one? This.”
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Methods

(Surgery)

手術(しゅじゅつ) means surgery, a medical procedure performed with instruments to treat an illness or injury.

It combines 手 (hand) with 術 (technique) to show a hand-performed medical technique.

Manga panel from 俺物語!! showing example of Told me not to come with と言う.
俺物語!! » Volume 2 » Page 159

Takeo and Yamato go out on a date for Yamato’s birthday. They have a great time spending the day together, but when Yamato asks Takeo what his friend Sunakawa is doing, Takeo becomes silent. He says Suna helped him plan the date’s events, and Takeo gives her the tickets to the date’s finale. He tells Yamato to take a friend, because he needs to go be with Suna.

猛男(たけお):
「砂川(すな)の父(とう)さんが今日(きょう)手術(しゅじゅつ)なんだ」
“Suna's dad is having surgery today.”
大和(やまと):
「え……」
“Eh......”
猛男(たけお):
「区立(くりつ)病院(びょういん)で2時(じ)からだ」
“It's at the municipal hospital at 2 o'clock.”
猛男(たけお):
「砂川(すな)には来(く)るなと言(い)われたが」
“Suna told me not to come, but...”
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Roles

(Partner)

相手(あいて) means the other party in an interaction, such as a partner, opponent, listener, or spouse.

It combines 相 (other party) with 手 (hand) to show the person you deal with.

Manga panel from ARIA The MASTERPIECE showing example of Keeping my dad company with 相手.
ARIA The MASTERPIECE » Volume 2 » Page 31

Akari encounters an older gentleman looking for a police box, so he can report his missing daughter and son-in-law. Akari offers to take him around and see if they can find the couple. Once they are reunited, the daughter thanks Akari for finding her father.

娘(むすめ):
「迷子(まいご)になった父(ちち)の相手(あいて)をするの大変(たいへん)でしたでしょ?」
“It must have been tough dealing with my dad when he got lost, right?”
「本当(ほんとう)ガンコおやじで…」
“He really is a stubborn old man...”
父(とう)さん:
「迷子(まいご)と言(い)うなっ」
“Don't say lost!”
「うるさい」
“Annoying...”
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(Assistant)

助手(じょしゅ) means an assistant, especially in professional or academic work.

It combines 助 (help) with 手 (hand) to show a helping hand.

Manga panel from 名探偵コナン showing example of Merely by shaking hands with 握手.
名探偵コナン » Volume 1 » Page 17

Shin’ichi treats Ran to a day at Tropical Land as a reward for winning the city karate tournament. As they wait in line for a ride on the roller coaster, Shin’ichi explains all the reasons why Sherlock Holmes was the greatest detective.

新一(しんいち):
「助手(じょしゅ)のワトソンに初(はじ)めて会(あ)った時(とき)、握手(あくしゅ)しただけで、彼(かれ)が軍医(ぐんい)でアフガンに行(い)ってた事(こと)を見(み)抜(ぬ)いてしまったんだ…」
“The first time he met his assistant Watson, Holmes could tell just from a handshake that he was a military doctor who had been stationed in Afghanistan...”
View Full Example