one's own effort; single-handedly
Used when someone does something alone or by their own effort, often in phrases like 一手に引き受ける (take on single-handedly).
a game; a match
Used in board games like go or shogi to count a single game or match.
Let's play just one game of shogi today and then go home.
a dance; a musical composition
Rare counter-like use for a dance or piece of music; mostly found in traditional contexts.
A dance was performed at the banquet.
a company; a group; a party
Archaic counter for a group of people, such as soldiers or a party; not used in modern Japanese.
A company of soldiers attacked the castle.
Literal meaning of the kanji, but rarely used alone in modern Japanese; more common in compounds like 一手間 (a little extra effort).
He took on the job single-handedly.
It's too much luggage to carry with one hand.
Compound of 一 (one) and 手 (hand). The various counter-like uses derive from the idea of 'one hand' as a unit.