山手
Meanings
1
noun, noun which may take the genitive case particle 'no'
place near the mountains; mountain side
Refers to an area or direction close to mountains, often contrasted with 海手 (sea side). Used as a noun or with の to modify another noun.
See also: 海手
There is an old shrine on the mountain side of this town.
The area near the mountains has clean air.
2
hilly section of a city; Yamate area
Specifically refers to the hilly, often upscale residential parts of a city, such as the Yamate district in Kōbe. Also written as 山の手 in this sense.
See also: 山の手
There are many Western-style houses in the Yamate area of Kōbe.
I live in an upscale residential area on the hill.
Usage patterns
- 山手に住むto live in the area near the mountains / in the hilly district
She lives in the hilly part of the town.