one move; a single move
Used in board games like go or shogi for a single move. Also extended metaphorically to a decisive action or strategy.
次の一手をじっくり考えた。
I carefully considered my next move.
only way; only means; sole option
Indicates that there is no alternative; the one remaining course of action. Often used in desperate or final situations.
He took on the whole project single-handedly.
勝つための一手はこれしかない。
This is the only way to win.
doing alone; single-handedly; monopoly
Used in the adverbial phrase 一手に to mean handling something all by oneself or monopolizing a task, responsibility, or market. Not used as a standalone noun for 'monopoly'.
See also: 一手に
彼が交渉を一手に引き受けた。
He took over the negotiations single-handedly.
その会社は市場を一手に握っている。
That company has a monopoly on the market.
He made the decisive move that settled the game.
There's only one way to get through this situation.
The company has complete control over the market.
独り占め means keeping something all to oneself, often with a selfish nuance, while 一手 (in the phrase 一手に) simply emphasizes handling or controlling something entirely by oneself without that selfish overtone.
手段 is a neutral, general word for a method or means, whereas 一手 implies the single remaining option in a difficult or desperate situation.
一手 is the general term for one move in a board game, while 一着 refers specifically to a single move in the game of go.
分担 means dividing a task or responsibility among several people, the opposite of 一手, which describes handling everything alone.
single-handedly; alone; by oneself
sole agency; exclusive distribution
exclusive distributorship; exclusive selling right
ear-reddening move
Compound of 一 (one) and 手 (hand, move). Originally a board game term for a single move, later extended to mean a single decisive action or sole control.