手下
て
し
た
Meanings
1
subordinate; underling; henchman; minion
Refers to someone who works under another's orders, often with a nuance of being a follower in a hierarchy, sometimes with a negative connotation of being a mere tool.
He works as a subordinate of the boss.
The villain's henchmen ravaged the town.
Usage patterns
- 〈人〉の手下になるto become someone's underling
He became the corrupt merchant's henchman.
- 手下を使うto use one's henchmen (to do something)
The boss used his henchmen to control the town.
- 手下を従えるto have a group of underlings under one's command
He appeared with a large number of henchmen at his command.