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.
I shook hands with him.
When we first met, we shook hands.
The verb form 'to shake hands'. Slightly more casual than 握手をする.
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'.
He grasped my hand and said 'thank you'.
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).
In Japan, the custom of handshaking is not very common.
Explains that bowing is used instead of a handshake. Useful for cultural comparisons.
Using 'handshake' metaphorically to mean an agreement or deal, often informal.
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.
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).
He gave me a firm handshake.
Let's shake on it.
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.
It was just a handshake deal.