Translation guide
In Japanese, referring to one's own hands is usually done with the word 手 (te), often without a possessive pronoun. The phrase 'one's hands' is used in many idiomatic expressions, which are translated with specific Japanese phrases rather than literal translations.
Referring to one's own hands as body parts
The most common and natural way to say 'hand' or 'hands'. In Japanese, possessive pronouns like 'my' are often omitted when the context makes it clear.
手を洗ってください。
Please wash your hands.
My hands are cold.
Used when you need to emphasize 'one's own hands', for example in contrast to someone else's hands.
Do it with your own hands.
Expressing that something is under one's control or responsibility
To obtain or acquire something, often with effort
The most common way to say 'get one's hands on' or 'obtain'. Used for both tangible and intangible things.
How did you get your hands on that book?
To be very busy or occupied
Literally 'can't let go of one's hands', meaning you are too busy to do anything else.
I have my hands full right now, so I'll call you later.
Means 'to have one's hands full' or 'to be at full capacity'. Often used in work contexts.
I have my hands full with work this week.
To disclaim responsibility or involvement
Literally 'pull one's hand back', meaning to withdraw from involvement or wash one's hands of a matter.
He washed his hands of the plan.
Literally 'wash one's feet', used figuratively to mean quitting a shady business or washing one's hands of a bad lifestyle. Not a direct translation but similar in meaning.
To deal with something personally instead of waiting for others
Suffering something caused by a person or group
Involving active participation or direct experience
Adjective meaning 'practical' or 'hands-on'. Used to describe experience, training, etc.
You can get hands-on experience in this course.
Literally 'move one's hands', used to mean doing practical work rather than just thinking or talking.
Learn by getting your hands dirty (literally: moving your hands more).
In Japanese, when referring to body parts, it is usually clear from context whose body part is meant, so words like 私の (my) are often omitted. Saying 私の手を洗います is grammatically correct but sounds unnatural; simply say 手を洗います.
手 (te) refers to the hand from the wrist down. 手首 (tekubi) specifically means 'wrist'. 腕 (ude) means 'arm' from the shoulder to the wrist. Be careful not to confuse these.
He held the bird gently in his hands.
She buried her face in her hands.
He finally got his hands on success.
He washed his hands of the yakuza world.
He took matters into his own hands and solved the problem.
Many people died at the hands of that dictator.