Translation guide
The English word 'handcuffs' refers to metal restraints used by police. In Japanese, the most common word is 手錠 (tejou). This guide covers how to talk about handcuffs, being handcuffed, and related expressions.
Referring to the metal restraints themselves.
Standard word for handcuffs. Used in police, legal, and everyday contexts.
The police officer put handcuffs on (someone).
The suspect was handcuffed.
Literary or historical term for handcuffs or manacles. Not used in modern police contexts.
The prisoner was fitted with manacles.
Describing the act of putting handcuffs on a person.
Expressing that someone is in handcuffs or has been handcuffed.
Passive form, meaning 'to be handcuffed'. Very natural.
The criminal was handcuffed.
Describes the state of being handcuffed. Literally 'handcuffs have been applied'.
He is in handcuffs.
Using 'handcuffs' metaphorically to mean something that limits freedom.
Means 'restraint' or 'shackles' in a figurative sense. Often used for emotional or social restrictions.
He is shackled by the company rules.
Literally 'to be fitted with handcuffs', but can be used metaphorically in some contexts. Less common than 束縛.
The English loanword ハンドカフス (handokafusu) is not commonly used in Japanese. Stick with 手錠 (tejou).
In news reports, you'll often hear 手錠をかける or 手錠をかけられる. The verb 逮捕する (taiho suru, 'to arrest') is also common, but it doesn't specifically mean handcuffing.
That contract is like putting handcuffs on him.