Translation guide
The English phrasal verb 'hand over' means to give something to someone, often by physically passing it, or to transfer control, responsibility, or possession. This guide covers natural Japanese expressions for these situations.
To give something to someone by extending your hand, often in a direct, face-to-face situation.
The most common and neutral verb for handing something over. It implies physically passing an object to someone.
I handed him the keys.
Please hand these documents over at the reception desk.
Emphasizes the act of handing over directly by hand, often used when the physical transfer is important.
Please hand it over in person.
To give someone else authority, a task, or a role, often in formal or organizational contexts.
Used when taking over or handing over duties, projects, or responsibilities, especially in a workplace.
I handed over the work to my successor.
Implies handing over something willingly, often a right, position, or property. Can be used for succession.
Formal/literary. To entrust or hand over authority or decision-making to someone.
To give something to someone because you are forced to, or as part of a demand, often in confrontational situations.
To hand over something by presenting it, often under pressure or as required. Common in robbery or official demands.
The robber demanded that he hand over the money.
Specifically for handing over or vacating a place, such as a house or land, often under legal obligation.
Formal term for handing over a person (e.g., a criminal) or goods to authorities.
To present something officially, such as an award, gift, or document, often with a sense of ceremony.
渡す is the general term for handing over. 手渡す emphasizes the direct hand-to-hand action. 差し出す implies presenting something, often under demand or in a formal submission.
Do not use 手 (hand) in a literal translation like 手を渡す. The natural verbs are 渡す, 手渡す, etc.
He handed over the documents.
The CEO handed over control to her successor.
We will hand over the project.
He handed over the presidency to his son.
全権を彼に委ねた。
I handed over full authority to him.
I handed over my passport to the officer.
I was told to hand over the rented house.
The suspect was handed over to the police.