expression, i-adjective
have a bad hand; be dealt a poor hand
Used in card games and mahjong to describe a weak set of cards or tiles. Figuratively, it can refer to being in a disadvantageous situation.
今日は手が悪くて、なかなか勝てない。
I have a bad hand today and just can't win.
expression, i-adjective
poor handwriting; bad penmanship
Refers to messy or illegible handwriting. Often used when someone's writing is hard to read.
彼は手が悪いから、メモを読むのに苦労する。
His handwriting is so bad that I struggle to read his notes.
expression, i-adjective
Describes a person's character or actions as dishonest or morally questionable. Less common than the other senses.
あの政治家は手が悪いと噂されている。
That politician is rumored to be unscrupulous.
Idiomatic phrase composed of 手 (hand) + が (subject marker) + 悪い (bad). The literal meaning 'hand is bad' extends to card games, handwriting, and moral character.