すべ

す

べ

Freq.FrequencyTop 20,000

Meanings

usually written using kana alone

Refers to a way of doing something, often implying a skill or know-how. Commonly used in expressions like ～すべがない (there is no way to ...).

〈動どう詞し〉すべがないthere is no way to do 〈verb〉
遠とおく離はなれた友ゆう人じんの安あん否ぴを確たしかめるすべがなかった。
There was no way to check on the safety of my faraway friend.
〈事こと〉のすべを知しらないnot to know any way to do 〈thing〉
彼かれはその機き械かいを直なおすすべを知しらなかった。
He didn't know any way to fix that machine.

方ほう法ほうN4
方法 is the general, neutral word for 'method', while 術 (すべ) usually appears in negative contexts implying there's no way out, as in すべがない.
手しゅ段だんN3
手段 refers to a concrete measure or tool used to reach a goal, whereas 術 (すべ) is more abstract, often describing a last resort or ability to cope.
手て立だて
手立て is a practical measure or resource one can use, while 術 (すべ) leans toward the idea of any conceivable way, frequently in phrases like なすすべもない.

術じゅつ
Written with the same kanji, 術 read じゅつ means a skill, art, or technique (e.g. 忍術), while 術 read すべ means a way or means, almost always in negative expressions like すべがない.

すべUsage75%
Usually written in kana; the kanji form 術 is also used but less common.
術すべUsage25%
Kanji spelling; can also be read じゅつ in other contexts.

The origin is uncertain, but it is a native Japanese word. The kanji 術 is an assignment based on meaning, not etymology.