Translation guide
In Japanese, 'both hands' is commonly expressed with 両手 (りょうて), but the phrasing changes depending on the action or context. This guide covers the most natural ways to say 'both hands' and related expressions.
両手
both hands
Referring to both hands as a body part or in general statements.
The standard word for 'both hands'. Used in most contexts.
両手を上げてください。
Please raise both hands.
彼は両手で顔を覆った。
He covered his face with both hands.
A more literary or formal term for 'both hands'. Rare in everyday speech.
双手を広げて歓迎する。
To welcome with open arms (literally 'both hands').
Describing an action done with both hands.
The most common way to say 'with both hands'.
両手で持ってください。
Please hold it with both hands.
彼は両手でボールをキャッチした。
He caught the ball with both hands.
A slightly more emphatic or literary way to say 'with both hands'. Less common than 両手で.
彼は両の手で顔を隠した。
He hid his face with both hands.
Specifically for holding or carrying objects with both hands.
Means 'to hold/carry in both arms/hands'. Often used for bulky items.
彼女は買い物袋を両手に抱えていた。
She was carrying shopping bags in both hands.
Simply 'to hold with both hands'. Neutral and common.
この箱は重いので、両手で持ってください。
This box is heavy, so please hold it with both hands.
Expressing that both hands are available or not holding anything.
Means 'both hands become free'. Often used when putting something down.
荷物を置いて両手を空けてください。
Put down your luggage and free up both hands.
Means 'both hands are full/occupied'. The opposite of free.
すみません、両手がふさがっていてドアを開けられません。
Sorry, my hands are full and I can't open the door.
Common idioms or set phrases involving both hands.
Literally 'raise both hands', but idiomatically means 'to give up' or 'to surrender', or sometimes 'to welcome wholeheartedly'.
彼はその提案に両手を挙げて賛成した。
He wholeheartedly agreed to the proposal (lit. raised both hands in agreement).
もう両手を挙げて降参だ。
I give up; I surrender (lit. I raise both hands and surrender).
Idiom meaning 'to have two beautiful women as companions' or 'to be blessed with two good things at once'. Literally 'flowers in both hands'.
While 両方の手 (りょうほうのて) is grammatically correct, it is rarely used in natural Japanese. Stick to 両手 (りょうて) for almost all situations.
When describing an action, 両手で (with both hands) is the most common pattern. For example, 両手で押す (push with both hands), 両手で掴む (grab with both hands).
彼は美人の姉妹とデートして、両手に花だ。
He's dating two beautiful sisters—lucky guy (lit. flowers in both hands).