noun
ace up one's sleeve; trump card
Figurative use for a hidden advantage or decisive resource kept in reserve. Often contrasted with 奥の手.
See also: 奥の手 (おくのて)
彼は交渉の最後に本手を出した。
He played his trump card at the end of the negotiation.
noun
basic melody (koto, shamisen)
Music term for the fundamental melodic line in traditional Japanese instruments, especially koto and shamisen.
箏曲では、本手に対して替手が装飾的な旋律を奏でる。
In koto music, the basic melody is played by the honte, while the kaede adds ornamental lines.
noun
proper move (go, shogi)
In board games like go and shogi, a move that is considered correct or standard according to established theory.
この局面では、隅に打つのが本手だ。
In this position, playing in the corner is the proper move.
noun
Refers to a person who is a genuine specialist or highly skilled, as opposed to an amateur. Often used in compound-like contexts.
彼は将棋の本手だ。
He is a shogi master.