noun
empty-handed; bare hands
Refers to having nothing in one's hands, or fighting without weapons. Often used in set phrases like 徒手空拳.
彼は徒手で強盗に立ち向かった。
He confronted the robber bare-handed.
徒手空拳で新しい事業を始めた。
He started a new business with nothing but his bare hands.
noun
penniless; without resources
Metaphorical extension: having no money or assets. Often used in the compound 徒手空拳 to emphasize starting from nothing.
See also: 徒手空拳
彼は徒手で上京し、成功を収めた。
He came to Tokyo penniless and achieved success.