Translation guide
To be involved in or partly responsible for something, often with a sense of contribution or influence.
Expressing that someone is involved in an activity, event, or outcome, often contributing to it.
A general and natural way to say someone is involved in something. Can be used for both positive and negative involvement.
He has a hand in that project.
An idiomatic expression meaning to have a hand in something, often implying a behind-the-scenes role or partial involvement. Slightly colloquial.
It seems he also has a hand in this plan.
A more formal term for involvement, often used in official or serious contexts.
He is suspected of having a hand in the incident.
Implies complicity or taking part in something negative, like a crime or wrongdoing.
He had a hand in the fraud.
Emphasizing that someone's actions contributed to a result or success.
Directly expresses contribution to a positive outcome. Suitable for both formal and informal contexts.
She has a hand in the company's growth.
An idiomatic phrase meaning to play a part or lend a hand in achieving something. Often used for positive contributions.
Literally 'lending a hand', this phrase is used when someone helps out or assists in a task.
Indicating that someone shares blame or responsibility for a negative outcome.
関わる (kakawaru) is the most general term for involvement. 関与する (kan'yo suru) is more formal and often used in legal or official contexts. 貢献する (kōken suru) specifically means to contribute positively. Choose based on the nuance you want to convey.
He is involved in community activities.
He is said to have been involved in the fraud.
She contributed to the advancement of science.
The English phrase 'have a hand in' cannot be directly translated word-for-word into Japanese. Expressions like 手を持っている (te o motte iru) are nonsensical. Use the idiomatic phrases provided instead.
His efforts had a hand in the success.
He had a hand in the move (by helping).
His negligence had a hand in the accident.