Translation guide
The physical act of shaking hands, common in Western greetings but less so in Japan. This guide covers how to refer to the gesture, the action, and related cultural notes.
Referring to the physical gesture of clasping and shaking hands, typically as a greeting or agreement.
The standard noun for 'handshake'. Can be used with する to mean 'to shake hands'.
Discussing the cultural practice of shaking hands, especially in contrast to Japanese bowing.
Use this phrase to talk about the custom of handshaking. Often contrasted with お辞儀 (bowing).
日本では握手の習慣はあまり一般的ではありません。
In Japan, the custom of handshaking is not very common.
Using 'handshake' metaphorically to mean an agreement or deal, often informal.
Literally 'to agree with a handshake'. Used for informal agreements sealed by a handshake.
彼らは握手で合意した。
They agreed with a handshake.
While handshakes are understood in international contexts, bowing (お辞儀) remains the standard greeting in Japan. In business settings with foreigners, a handshake may be offered, but it's often accompanied by a slight bow. When unsure, follow the lead of your Japanese counterpart.
日本では、握手とお辞儀を同時にすることがあります。
In Japan, people sometimes bow and shake hands at the same time.
English often uses 'shake hands' as a verb phrase. In Japanese, 握手する is natural, but avoid literal translations like 手を振る (to wave one's hand) or 手を揺する (to shake a hand, which sounds odd).
彼は力強い握手をした。
He gave me a firm handshake.
握手で約束しよう。
Let's shake on it.
彼と握手を交わした。
I shook hands with him.
初めて会った時、握手をしました。
When we first met, we shook hands.
The verb form 'to shake hands'. Slightly more casual than 握手をする.
会議の後で握手した。
We shook hands after the meeting.
Literally 'to grasp a hand'. Can imply a handshake but is less specific and may sound like simply holding hands. Use with caution.
Can be misinterpreted as holding hands romantically or for support. Not the standard way to say 'handshake'.
彼は私の手を握って、「ありがとう」と言った。
He grasped my hand and said 'thank you'.
Explains that bowing is used instead of a handshake. Useful for cultural comparisons.
日本人は握手の代わりにお辞儀をすることが多いです。
Japanese people often bow instead of shaking hands.
Means 'verbal promise' or 'oral agreement'. Often used when a handshake deal is implied but not explicitly mentioned.
それは口約束だけの取引だった。
It was just a handshake deal.