Translation guide
The English word "hands" refers to the body parts at the end of the arms. In Japanese, the most common word is 手 (て). However, expressing the concept naturally depends on context, such as whether you're talking about washing hands, holding hands, or using hands to do something.
Referring to one or both hands as physical body parts.
The standard word for hand or hands. Japanese does not usually distinguish singular and plural.
手を洗ってください。
Please wash your hands.
彼は手が大きい。
He has big hands.
Expressing the action of holding someone's hand.
Literally 'to connect hands', this is the natural way to say 'hold hands'.
手をつないで歩こう。
Let's walk holding hands.
Describing an action performed with the hands.
Use 手で to mean 'with one's hands' or 'by hand'.
手で食べる。
Eat with your hands.
手で触らないでください。
Please don't touch with your hands.
Idiomatic uses where 'hands' implies responsibility, possession, or care.
Means 'to fall into someone's hands' or 'to come into someone's possession'.
その書類は彼の手に渡った。
The documents fell into his hands.
Means 'to take care of' or 'to look after', literally 'to put hands on'.
Common expressions involving hands.
To take good care of one's children.
Could you give me a hand?