Translation guide
The act of giving something to someone, often formally or in person. In Japanese, the best expression depends on the formality, the relationship, and whether it's a physical object, a duty, or a person.
To pass or hand something to someone directly.
The most common and neutral verb for handing something over. Used for physical objects.
I handed him the book.
Please hand these documents over to the reception desk.
Emphasizes handing something directly by hand, often in person. Slightly more formal or deliberate than 渡す.
I handed the certificate directly to them.
To hold out or present something, often with a sense of offering. Used in formal or polite contexts.
I presented my business card.
To hand over a task, role, or responsibility to someone else.
To take over or hand over duties, work, or a role. Often used in business contexts for交接.
I handed over the work to my successor.
To hand over or cede something like a position, right, or property, often willingly or as a concession.
To entrust or hand over full responsibility or authority. Formal and implies trust.
To hand over a person to authorities or an enemy.
To hand over something in a ceremonial or official manner.
Use 渡す for physical objects and simple transfers. Use 引き継ぐ when handing over ongoing responsibilities, tasks, or roles, especially in a work setting.
hand over the keys
hand over the project
When handing over a person (e.g., to police), use 引き渡す, not 渡す. 渡す for a person sounds like physically passing them, which is unnatural.
Please prepare handover documents.
He handed over the presidency to his son.
決定を彼に委ねた。
I handed over the decision to him.
They demanded that the criminal be handed over.