Translation guide
The English phrase 'at hand' can refer to physical proximity, temporal immediacy, or availability. This guide covers natural Japanese expressions for each meaning.
Describing something that is close by or within reach.
Refers to something at hand, within reach, or on hand. Often used for tools, documents, or personal items.
Do you have the necessary documents at hand?
I don't have a pen at hand.
Means close to oneself, familiar, or within easy reach. Often used for everyday objects or familiar people.
My smartphone is always at hand.
Literally 'right nearby'. A straightforward way to say something is at hand in a physical sense.
The station is close at hand.
Referring to an event or time that is very near in the future.
Means 'before one's eyes' or 'imminent'. Used for events that are about to happen.
The exam is close at hand.
Similar to 目前, meaning 'near', 'close', or 'impending'. Often used for seasons, events, or deadlines.
A very common and casual way to say 'soon' or 'almost here'. Suitable for everyday conversation.
Indicating that something is present and can be used immediately.
Literally 'at hand's location'. The most direct way to say something is on hand or available.
The materials are at hand.
Means 'have prepared' or 'have ready'. Emphasizes that something has been made available in advance.
In many cases, simply stating that something exists nearby is enough. No special phrase for 'at hand' is needed.
This is very context-dependent and may sound too vague if the listener doesn't know the location.
There's a pen at hand here.
手元 emphasizes physical proximity to one's hands or immediate reach, often for objects you are using. 身近 implies something is part of your daily environment or familiar, not necessarily within arm's reach.
Please look at the document at hand.
Smartphones are tools at hand for modern people.
Avoid directly translating 'at hand' as 手に (てに) or 手で (てで). These mean 'in the hand' or 'by hand', not 'nearby' or 'available'.
holding in hand
The deadline is at hand.
春が間近に迫っている。
Spring is at hand.
もうすぐ夏休みだ。
Summer vacation is at hand.
Everything needed is at hand.