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.
彼に本を渡した。
I handed him the book.
この書類を受付に渡してください。
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.
賞状を直接手渡した。
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.
名刺を差し出した。
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.
仕事を後任に引き継いだ。
I handed over the work to my successor.
引き継ぎ資料を作成してください。
Please prepare handover documents.
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 a person, especially to the police or another authority. Used in legal or criminal contexts.
容疑者を警察に引き渡した。
They handed the suspect over to the police.
A formal phrase meaning to hand over custody of a person. Often used in extradition contexts.
犯人の身柄を引き渡すよう要求した。
They demanded that the criminal be handed over.
To hand over something in a ceremonial or official manner.
To award or confer something like a prize, certificate, or degree. Formal.
卒業証書を授与した。
They handed over the diplomas.
To present a gift or award, often in a public ceremony. Slightly more about the act of giving.
記念品を贈呈した。
They presented a commemorative gift.
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.
鍵を渡す
hand over the keys
プロジェクトを引き継ぐ
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.
He handed over the presidency to his son.
決定を彼に委ねた。
I handed over the decision to him.