Translation guide
In Japanese, referring to 'one's hand' depends heavily on context, politeness, and whose hand it is. The most common word is 手 (て), but it is often omitted when the subject is clear. For polite or honorific situations, お手 (おて) is used. The possessive 'one's' is usually expressed through context or with pronouns like 私の (わたしの) for 'my', but often dropped.
The most common, neutral way to refer to a hand, regardless of whose it is.
The basic word for 'hand'. In Japanese, possession is often implied by context, so 'my hand' is usually just 手, not 私の手.
手を洗ってください。
Please wash your hands.
彼は手を挙げた。
He raised his hand.
Polite/honorific form, often used when referring to someone else's hand, especially in service contexts or to children.
お手を拝見します。
Let me see your hand. (polite, e.g., fortune teller)
When you need to explicitly say 'my hand', usually for emphasis or contrast.
Referring to the listener's hand politely, often in instructions or service.
The standard polite way to say 'your hand'. The honorific prefix お makes it clear you mean the listener's hand.
お手をどうぞ。
Give me your hand. (polite)
Explicit 'your hand', but can sound distant or accusatory. Use with care.
あなたの手は温かいですね。
Your hands are warm, aren't they?
Referring to someone else's hand.
Standard way to say 'his hand' or 'her hand'. Often the pronoun is omitted if clear from context.
彼の手は大きい。
His hands are big.
More natural than pronouns in many cases. Use the person's name.
田中さんの手はきれいですね。
Tanaka-san's hands are beautiful.
Metaphorical uses of 'hand' referring to handwriting, skill, or involvement.
In Japanese, possessive pronouns like 私の (my) are often omitted when the owner is obvious from context. Saying 私の手 every time sounds unnatural. Use 手 alone unless you need to emphasize whose hand it is.
When speaking politely to someone about their hand, use お手 (おて) instead of あなたの手. This is common in customer service, medical settings, or when talking to superiors.
料理の腕前を披露した。
He showed off his cooking skills.
Could you give me a hand?