徒と手しゅ空くう拳けん

noun

empty-handed; with nothing but one's bare hands

Describes a state of having no weapons, tools, or resources; literally 'bare hands and empty fists'. Often used in contexts of starting something from scratch or facing a challenge unprepared.

• 彼かれは徒と手しゅ空くう拳けんで事じ業ぎょうを始はじめた。

  He started his business with nothing but his bare hands.

noun

penniless; without capital

Specifically refers to having no money or financial backing, often when starting a venture. The second gloss 'having no capital (for starting a business)' is a common application.

• 徒と手しゅ空くう拳けんで会かい社しゃを立たち上あげるのは大たい変へんだ。

  It's tough to start a company without any capital.