Translation guide
How to express 'empty-handed' in Japanese, covering physical lack of objects, returning without results, and idiomatic expressions.
Describing a person who is not holding or carrying anything in their hands.
The most common and natural way to say 'empty-handed' when you have nothing in your hands, especially when visiting someone or going somewhere.
手ぶらで来てください。
Please come empty-handed.
He always comes to meetings empty-handed.
Literally 'without holding anything'. More descriptive and slightly formal, used in written or explanatory contexts.
彼は何も持たずに家を出た。
He left the house empty-handed.
A literal description: 'not holding anything in one's hands'. Used for emphasis or clarification.
彼女は手に何も持っていなかった。
She was empty-handed.
Coming back from an attempt without success or without the desired result.
The standard expression for returning empty-handed after trying to get or achieve something.
釣りに行ったけど、手ぶらで帰ってきた。
I went fishing but came back empty-handed.
交渉は失敗し、手ぶらで帰るしかなかった。
The negotiation failed and we had no choice but to return empty-handed.
Means 'without any results'. More formal and often used in reports or serious contexts.
捜索は何の成果もなく終了した。
The search ended empty-handed.
Literary expression meaning 'to return in vain'. Conveys a sense of disappointment or futility.
彼は空しく帰るほかなかった。
He had no choice but to return empty-handed.
Visiting someone without bringing a present, which can be considered impolite in Japanese culture.
Specifically used when visiting someone without a gift. Often carries a nuance of apology or rudeness.
手ぶらで訪ねるのは失礼だと思った。
I thought it would be rude to visit empty-handed.
Literally 'without a souvenir/gift'. Casual and direct, often used among friends.
お土産なしでごめんね。
Sorry for coming empty-handed.
Beginning a venture or life stage without resources or advantages.
Idiom meaning 'with nothing but one's bare hands', often used for starting a business from scratch.
彼は裸一貫で会社を立ち上げた。
He started his company empty-handed.
Means 'from zero', a common modern expression for starting with nothing.
ゼロから事業を始めた。
I started the business empty-handed.
The literal translation '空の手' (kara no te) is not used in Japanese. Always use '手ぶら' or other natural expressions.
空の手で来た。
I came empty-handed. (unnatural)