10 Japanese Idioms Using “手”
Table of Contents
1. 10 Japanese Idioms Using “手”
2. Commonly Used Expression
3. Business-Related Expressions
4. Expressions Describing States or Conditions
5. Summary
6. Similer Articles
7. Comment
Q: I enjoyed the article about idiomatic expressions using “足”. Are there also idiomatic expressions that use “手”?
A: Japanese has many idiomatic expressions that use parts of the body. Learning these expressions will make your language richer and add more depth and interest, so I encourage you to remember them. Here, we’ll introduce some commonly used idiomatic expressions with “手” that often appear in daily life.
Here’s the article about
idiomatic expressions using “足” ▼
Commonly Used Expression
[手を貸す]
An expression that means to help or assist someone. It is widely used in contexts ranging from daily conversation to business.
[Meaning]
To help; to assist
[Examples]
荷物、運ぶの大変そうだね。手を貸そうか。
It looks like it’s hard to carry that luggage. Do you want me to give you a hand?
友人の仕事に手を貸したら、とても喜んでくれました。
My friend was really happy when I gave them a hand with their work.
[手一杯]
An expression that describes a state of having no capacity to do anything beyond what is already being done. It is often used when explaining a busy situation.
[Meaning]
Having no capacity to do anything beyond the current tasks
[Examples]
A:ちょっと、手を貸してくれないかな。
B:今、手一杯なんだ。ごめんね。
A: Can you give me a hand?
B: I’m swamped right now. Sorry.
新プロジェクトの立ち上げで手一杯なため、他の案件は少し遅れそうです。
I’m so tied up with launching the new project that other tasks might be delayed a bit.
[手を抜く]
An expression that means to perform a task carelessly or without putting in the necessary effort. It is often used with a negative nuance.
[Meaning]
To skip necessary effort; to do a job carelessly
[Examples]
そうじは面倒なので、いつも手を抜いてしまいます。
Cleaning is a hassle, so I always end up cutting corners.
小さな仕事でも手を抜かないことが大切です。
It’s important not to cut corners, even on small tasks.
Business-Related Expressions
[手掛ける]
An expression that means to be directly involved in something and carry it out with responsibility. It is used in a wide range of situations, such as new business ventures, projects, and creative works.
[Meaning]
To be involved in something; to engage in something
[Examples]
新規事業を手掛けることになりました。
I’m going to be in charge of a new business project.
長く手掛けていたプロジェクトのリーダーを降りることにしました。
I decided to step down as the leader of a project I had been working on for a long time.
[手を引く]
It refers to ending a certain relationship or withdrawing from a transaction or project. It is often used when terminating a business contract or withdrawing from a deal.
[Meaning]
To cut off a relationship; to stop a transaction
[Examples]
A会社は経営不振なので手を引くことにしました。
Company A decided to withdraw because of poor business performance.
そのプロジェクトから手を引くことにしました。
I decided to pull out of that project.
[手を打つ]
It refers to taking appropriate measures or solutions to resolve a problem or prevent a situation from worsening.
[Meaning]
To take necessary measures, such as solutions or countermeasures
[Examples]
トラブルが深刻化する前に手を打つべきです。
We should take action before the trouble becomes more serious.
国は早急に少子高齢化に対する手を打つ必要があります。
The government needs to take prompt measures to address the declining birthrate and aging population.
[手が空く]
It refers to a state in which ongoing work has been completed to a certain point, allowing time to be spent on other tasks.
[Meaning]
When work has reached a stopping point and free time becomes available
[Examples]
手が空いたら、この書類をチェックしてください。
When you have some free time, please check this document.
手が空いたら、手伝ってくれない？
When you’re free, could you give me a hand?
[Expression]
Using “手が空く” toward someone of higher status is considered impolite, so it is better to use “お手隙” instead.
[Examples]
恐れ入りますが、お手隙の際にご連絡いただけますか。
I’m sorry to trouble you, but could you contact me when you have a moment?
先輩、すみませんがお手隙の際に、この書類を確認していただけないでしょうか。
Senpai, I’m sorry, but could you check this document when you have a moment?
Expressions Describing States or Conditions
[手が掛かる]
This expression describes a situation that requires a lot of care or effort. It is used when handling a person or matter is particularly difficult.
[Meaning]
To require care or effort
[Examples]
子供はまだ小さいので手が掛かります。
The child is still young and needs a lot of care.
思った以上に大変な案件で、手が掛かっています。
This project is more difficult than expected and is taking a lot of effort.
[手に入れる]
This expression refers to obtaining or acquiring something you want or need for yourself. It can also be used for intangible things such as information or qualifications.
[Meaning]
To make something your own; to obtain or acquire something
[Examples]
ずっとほしかった車を手に入れました。
I got the car I had always wanted.
新しい情報を手に入れたので、みなさんにも共有します。
I obtained new information, so I’ll share it with everyone.
[手が離せない]
This expression describes a situation where you are engaged in some task or errand and cannot leave your current location. It is often used when declining a phone call or request.
[Meaning]
Being unable to leave one’s current place because of something you are doing at the moment
[Examples]
今、忙しくて手が離せないから、折り返し電話するね。
I’m busy right now and can’t step away, so I’ll call you back.
子供の世話で手が離せないんで、後でもいいでしょうか。
I can’t step away because I’m taking care of my child, so would it be alright if we do it later?
Summary
| Category | Idiom | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Commonly Used Expressions | 手を貸す | To help or assist someone |
| 手一杯 | Having no capacity to do anything beyond what is already being done | |
| 手を抜く | To skip necessary effort; to do a job carelessly | |
| Business-Related Expressions | 手掛ける | To be involved in or engaged with something |
| 手を引く | To cut off a relationship; to withdraw from a deal | |
| 手を打つ | To take necessary measures such as solutions or countermeasures | |
| 手が空く | To become free after work has settled down | |
| Expressions Describing States or Conditions | 手が掛かる | To require a lot of care or effort |
| 手に入れる | To make something your own; to obtain; to acquire | |
| 手が離せない | To be unable to leave your place because you are busy with something |
Similer Articles
- Must-Know for Foreigners Working in Japan: Do You Really Need a Hanko (Personal Seal)?
- Differences in Parts of Speech between Japanese and English②
- Differences in Parts of Speech between Japanese and English①
- Learning the Forms of Japanese from Classical Literature
- Idioms Using “頭” ② – Useful in Everyday Conversations
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