手足
Meanings
1
hands and feet; limbs
Refers literally to the hands and feet, or more broadly to the limbs. Common in everyday speech.
My hands and feet got cold from the cold weather.
The baby's tiny hands and feet are cute.
2
right-hand person; reliable helper
Figurative use: a person who works closely under someone and can be relied upon, like an extra pair of hands. Often used in phrases like 手足となって働く.
He supports the company as the president's right-hand man.
Usage patterns
- 手足がしびれるone's hands and feet go numb
My hands and feet started going numb from the cold.
- 〈人〉の手足となって働くto work as someone's right-hand person
He works as the president's right-hand man.
- 手足が冷えるone's hands and feet get cold
In winter, my hands and feet get cold.