Translation guide
The English word "handle" has several distinct meanings. This guide covers the most common ones for learners: physically holding or touching something, dealing with a situation or person, managing or being responsible for something, and the noun meaning a part you grip. It also includes a few niche uses.
To manage, cope with, or take care of a matter or someone
The most direct and common verb for handling a problem or situation. It implies taking action to deal with something.
クレームにどう対処すればいいですか？
How should I handle complaints?
He handled the difficult situation well.
Often used for processing or handling tasks, paperwork, data, or problems in a systematic way. Slightly more formal or technical than 対処する.
この書類を処理してください。
Please handle these documents.
大量のデータを処理するのは大変だ。
Handling a large amount of data is tough.
A versatile verb meaning to handle, deal with, or treat. It can refer to handling objects, people, or abstract matters. Often used when talking about how someone is treated or how a topic is handled.
彼は人を扱うのが上手だ。
He is good at handling people.
この問題は慎重に扱う必要がある。
This issue needs to be handled carefully.
A casual, colloquial phrase meaning 'to manage somehow' or 'to handle it'. Implies finding a way to deal with something, often without a clear plan.
大丈夫、なんとかするよ。
Don't worry, I'll handle it.
To touch, hold, or move something with your hands
The most common verb for touching or handling something physically. Be careful: it can imply touching lightly or intentionally, and sometimes has a nuance of 'meddling with'.
展示品に触らないでください。
Please do not handle the exhibits.
彼はその壊れやすい花瓶を注意して触った。
He handled the fragile vase with care.
Also used for physical handling, especially when skill or care is involved. Often appears in instructions or descriptions of how to handle objects.
Means to touch, fiddle with, or tamper with something, often with a nuance of playing with it or adjusting it unnecessarily. Can be negative if it implies meddling.
To take charge of, be in control of, or manage a task, project, or area
The standard verb for being in charge of or handling a specific duty, project, or client. Very common in business contexts.
このプロジェクトは私が担当します。
I will handle this project.
彼女は新しい顧客を担当している。
She handles new clients.
Means to manage, administer, or control. Used for handling systems, resources, schedules, etc. More formal and systematic than 担当する.
彼は会社の財務を管理している。
He handles the company's finances.
Means to entrust or leave something to someone. Often used when you let someone else handle it because you trust them.
The part of an object that you grip with your hand
The most common word for a handle on a door, drawer, cup, etc. Specifically refers to a protruding part meant for gripping.
ドアの取っ手が壊れた。
The door handle broke.
このカップは取っ手がついていない。
This cup doesn't have a handle.
A loanword from English, used for steering wheels, handlebars, or sometimes door handles. Most commonly refers to a steering wheel.
Refers to the handle or shaft of a tool, weapon, or utensil, like a knife handle or broom handle.
包丁の柄が滑りやすい。
The knife handle is slippery.
To be able to deal with a challenging situation, often emotionally or mentally
Means to endure, bear, or withstand. Can be used for handling pain, hardship, or pressure.
彼はそのプレッシャーに耐えられなかった。
He couldn't handle the pressure.
When talking about handling a person (e.g., a difficult customer, a child), do not directly translate 'handle' as 触る (touch) or 処理する (process). Use 扱う (treat/handle) or 対処する (deal with) instead. Using 処理する for a person sounds like you are treating them as an object or task, which can be rude.
対処する (taisho suru) focuses on responding to a problem or situation, often implying immediate action. 処理する (shori suru) focuses on processing or handling something systematically, like paperwork or data. For a sudden complaint, 対処する is better; for routine administrative tasks, 処理する is more natural.
この機械は丁寧に扱ってください。
Please handle this machine with care.
彼は工具を上手に扱う。
He handles tools skillfully.
The kid handled (fiddled with) my smartphone and changed the settings.
この件は君に任せるよ。
I'll let you handle this matter.
車のハンドルを握る。
Grip the steering wheel.
Means to hold out, withstand, or manage to keep going. Often used for handling a tough situation until it passes.
この忙しさをもう少し持ちこたえなければ。
I have to handle this busy period a little longer.