ichidan verb, transitive verb
offer (to a deity or the deceased); dedicate
Used for presenting flowers, incense, or other offerings at graves, altars, or to gods. Often in ceremonial or solemn contexts.
墓前に花を手向ける。
I offer flowers at the grave.
神前に玉串を手向ける。
I dedicate a sacred branch to the deity.
ichidan verb, transitive verb
give as a parting gift; offer parting words
Used for giving something to someone who is leaving, or for saying farewell words. Often appears in set phrases like 餞に手向ける or はなむけの言葉を手向ける.
友人の旅立ちに餞を手向ける。
I give a parting gift to my friend who is setting off on a journey.
卒業生にはなむけの言葉を手向けた。
I offered words of farewell to the graduates.