expression, godan verb (-su)
reach out one's hand; extend one's arm
Literal physical action of stretching out a hand or arm, often to grab or touch something.
棚の上の本に手を出した。
I reached out my hand for the book on the shelf.
expression, godan verb (-su)
get involved in; try one's hand at; embark on
Idiomatic: to start doing something new, often with a nuance of meddling or venturing into an area one shouldn't.
彼は株に手を出して大損した。
He tried his hand at stocks and lost a lot of money.
政治に手を出すな。
Don't get involved in politics.
expression, godan verb (-su)
start a fight; get physical; lay hands on
Idiomatic: to resort to violence, to physically attack or provoke someone.
彼はすぐに手を出すから気をつけて。
He's quick to start a fight, so be careful.
口論の末、ついに手を出してしまった。
After the argument, he finally resorted to violence.
expression, godan verb (-su)
Idiomatic: to take something that doesn't belong to one, often casually or sneakily.
店の商品に手を出すなんて許せない。
I can't forgive stealing from the store.
彼は会社の金に手を出した。
He embezzled company money.
expression, godan verb (-su)
make a pass at; hit on; make a move on
Idiomatic: to make sexual advances toward someone, often unwelcome or inappropriate.
彼は私の妹に手を出した。
He made a pass at my sister.
酔っ払って同僚に手を出すのはやめろ。
Don't get drunk and hit on your coworkers.