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手堅い (てがたい) Japanese meaning | Kotomora
Common word Freq. Frequency Top 50,000 Conjugation Meanings 1
i-adjective
sound ; safe ; reliable ; solid
Describes a method, investment, plan, or person that is low-risk, dependable, and unlikely to fail. Often used in business and financial contexts.
彼かれ は 手て 堅がた い ビジネス を 展てん 開かい し て いる 。
He runs a solid, reliable business.
2
i-adjective
steady ; firm ; consistent
Describes a performance, attitude, or approach that is stable, unwavering, and not flashy. Often used for a player's steady play or a craftsman's reliable technique.
Written forms 手て 堅がた い Usage 97%
Standard kanji spelling; the only written form.
てがたい Usage 3%
Similar words 堅けん 実じつ 堅実 is a noun/adjectival noun meaning 'sound, steady, solid' and is more formal and abstract. 手堅い is an i-adjective with a slightly more concrete, hands-on nuance of being low-risk and dependable.
安あん 全ぜん 安全 means 'safe' in the sense of physical safety or security. 手堅い focuses on reliability and low risk of failure, not physical danger.
Etymology Compound of 手 (hand, method) and 堅い (hard, firm, solid). The combination conveys the idea of something being 'firm-handed' or 'solid in method', hence reliable and low-risk.
