Translation guide
The English phrase 'lay hands on' has several distinct meanings: to obtain or get hold of something, to touch or handle something, to physically attack someone, and to perform a religious act of blessing or healing by placing hands on someone. This guide covers natural Japanese expressions for each meaning.
To acquire, find, or get something, often with a sense of effort or difficulty.
The most common and versatile way to say 'obtain' or 'get hold of' something. Can be used for both physical objects and abstract things.
I really want to lay my hands on that book.
He finally got his hands on the car he'd been wanting.
A more formal, written-style verb meaning 'to obtain' or 'to acquire'. Often used in business or official contexts.
It was difficult to lay hands on the necessary documents.
Literally 'to find', but often used when the focus is on locating something you want to obtain. More casual than 入手する.
I finally laid my hands on that rare game.
To touch or handle something, often with a nuance of doing so roughly, inappropriately, or with a specific purpose.
General verb for 'to touch'. Can be used for both gentle and rough contact. Often used in prohibitions.
Don't lay a hand on that box.
It looks like someone laid hands on my desk.
Literally 'to touch with one's hand'. Slightly more formal or deliberate than 触る. Often used in warnings or instructions.
Please do not lay hands on the exhibits.
Means 'to fiddle with' or 'to tamper with'. Implies touching something in a careless or meddlesome way.
To assault or use physical violence against someone.
Idiom meaning 'to lay a hand on someone' in the sense of starting a fight or using violence. Very common.
He got angry and laid hands on his opponent.
If you lay a hand on him, you'll be in big trouble.
Formal expression meaning 'to use violence' or 'to commit an act of violence'. Used in legal or serious contexts.
Specifically means 'to punch' or 'to hit'. More direct and physical than 手を出す.
To place hands on someone in a religious context to bless, heal, or ordain them.
The standard phrase for the physical act of laying hands on someone in a religious ceremony. Often used with 祈る (to pray).
The pastor laid hands on the sick person and prayed.
A technical Christian term for the ritual of laying on of hands, especially for ordination or blessing. Used mainly in church contexts.
The new pastor received the laying on of hands.
Do not translate 'lay hands on' literally as 手を置く in non-religious contexts. For obtaining something, use 手に入れる; for touching, use 触る; for attacking, use 手を出す.
It's tough to lay hands on that information.
Don't lay your hands on my computer.
He was arrested for laying hands on his wife.
He suddenly laid hands on me and hit me.