What is the Kanji for "Hand"?

If you are wondering what is the Japanese Kanji for "Hand", you've come to the right place!

The Japanese Kanji for "Hand" is "手".

This kanji has 3 readings:

Its kunyomi reading is "Te".

Its onyomi readings are "Shu" and "Zu".

kunyomi readings are based on the pronunciation of native Japanese words, and onyomi readings are based on the Chinese pronunciation of the character.

If you visually breakdown this kanji, you can see is made up of 3 parts:

The radical "丿" means "Katakana no" . The kanji "二" means "Two" and can be read as "Futa" and "Ni". And The radical "亅" means "Barb" .

Now, let's make sure you understand this kanji the other way around too.

What does the kanji "手" mean in japanese?

"手" means "Hand".

Japanese School Students learn this kanji in First Grade, while foreigners may learn this kanji in preparation for the JLPT N4 exam.

Here are some words that use this kanji:

手: "Hand". The Japanese noun '手 (て)' means 'hand'. This word refers to the part of the human body at the end of the arm, consisting of the palm and fingers. It is used to describe the physical hand, as well as to refer to the hand in a more abstract sense, such as in actions or capabilities. For example: I raised my hand - (私は手を上げた). Wash your hands - (手を洗いなさい).

相手: "Opponent". The noun '相手 (あいて)' means 'opponent'. This word is used to refer to the person, team or entity that one is competing against or interacting with in a particular situation. It can be used in various contexts such as sports, business, and personal relationships. For example: I will play tennis against my opponent - (私は相手と テニスをします). My business partner is my opponent in this deal - (この取引では、私のビジネスパートナーが相手です).

お手洗い: "Restroom". The Japanese noun 'お手洗い (おてあらい)' refers to a restroom, toilet, or washroom. It is a polite and formal way to refer to a bathroom facility. This word is commonly used in public settings like restaurants, hotels, or stores to ask for directions to the restroom. For example: Where is the restroom? - (お手洗いはどこですか). The restroom is down the hall - (お手洗いは廊下の奥にあります).

下手: "Unskilled" or "Poor". The adjectival noun '下手 (へた)' means 'unskilled' or 'poor'. It is used to describe someone who lacks the necessary skills or proficiency to perform a task well. This word can be applied to various activities, such as sports, arts, or hobbies. For example: I'm unskilled at drawing - (私は絵を描くのが下手です). She is a poor singer - (彼女は歌が下手です).

空手: "Karate". The Japanese noun '空手 (からて)' refers to a traditional Japanese martial art that involves striking, kicking and blocking techniques without the use of weapons. Karate originated in Okinawa and emphasizes discipline, control and self-improvement. It is a popular sport and practice worldwide. For example: I practice karate - (私は空手を練習する). Karate competition - (空手の試合)

手術: "Surgery". The verbal noun '手術 (しゅじゅつ)' means 'surgery'. This term refers to a medical procedure performed by a doctor to treat a disease, injury, or deformity by operating on the body, usually involving cutting into the skin or body. Examples: The patient underwent successful heart surgery - (その患者は心臓手術に成功した). The doctors will perform the surgery tomorrow - (医師は明日手術を行う).

切手: "Stamp". The Japanese noun '切手 (きって)' refers to a postage stamp. This is a small piece of paper or material that is affixed to mail or packages to indicate that postage has been paid. Stamps are issued by postal services and come in a variety of designs. For example: I bought some new stamps at the post office - (郵便局で新しい切手を買った). My collection has many different types of stamps - (私のコレクションには様々な種類の切手がある).

手紙: "Letter". The Japanese noun '手紙 (てがみ)' means 'letter'. This word refers to a written message, typically on paper, that is sent from one person to another. It can be used to describe both formal letters as well as personal correspondence. For example: I received a letter from my friend - (友達から手紙をもらった). He wrote a letter to his family - (彼は家族に手紙を書いた).

運転手: "Driver". The Japanese noun '運転手 (うんてんしゅ)' means 'driver'. This word refers to a person who operates a vehicle, such as a car, truck, or bus. Drivers are responsible for safely transporting passengers or goods from one location to another. For example: The taxi driver is waiting outside - (タクシーの運転手が外で待っている). I need to hire a driver for my event - (イベントのためにドライバーを雇う必要があります).

歌手: "Singer". The Japanese noun '歌手 (かしゅ)' means 'singer'. This word refers to a professional performer who sings, especially in the context of music or performing arts. Singers can specialize in different genres such as pop, classical, opera, etc. For example: She is a famous singer - (彼女は有名な歌手です). The singer performed beautifully - (歌手の歌声は素晴らしかった).

選手: "Player". The Japanese noun '選手 (せんしゅ)' refers to a player or athlete who participates in a sport or competition. It can be used to describe players in various team sports, as well as individual athletes in events like tennis, athletics, or swimming. For example: The soccer player scored a goal - (サッカーの選手がゴールを決めた). She is a talented table tennis player - (彼女はたいへん上手なピンポン選手です).

手続き: "Procedure". The Japanese noun '手続き (てつづき)' means 'procedure'. This word refers to a series of actions or steps that must be followed to accomplish a specific task or goal. It is often used in formal or administrative contexts, such as when discussing legal, bureaucratic, or official processes. For example: Fill out the necessary procedures - (必要な手続きに記入する). I need to follow the proper procedures - (適切な手続きに従わなければならない).

手段: "Means". The Japanese noun '手段 (しゅだん)' refers to the methods, tools, or resources used to accomplish a particular goal or task. It implies the practical or technical aspects involved in pursuing an objective. For example: The company has various means to expand its business - (その会社は事業拡大のための手段がいくつかある). She explored all available means to resolve the issue - (彼女はその問題を解決するための手段をすべて検討した).

苦手: "Weak". The Japanese adjectival noun '苦手 (にがて)' means 'weak'. This word is used to describe an area or subject that someone struggles with or is not good at. It can also be used to refer to a personal dislike or aversion to certain things. For example: Math is my weakness - (数学は私の苦手です). I'm weak at cooking - (料理が苦手です).

両手: "Both hands". The Japanese noun '両手 (りょうて)' means 'both hands'. This word refers to the two hands of a person, used together. It is commonly used to describe actions or tasks that require the use of both hands, such as holding or carrying an object. For example: I carried the heavy box with both hands - (重い箱を両手で持った). She clapped her both hands - (彼女は両手をたたいた).

手袋: "Glove". The Japanese noun '手袋 (てぶくろ)' refers to a covering for the hand, typically made of cloth, leather, or other material, used to keep the hands warm or protect them. It is a common item of clothing worn in cold weather. For example: I need to wear gloves when it's cold outside - (寒い時は手袋をする必要があります). She bought a new pair of leather gloves - (彼女は新しい革手袋を買いました).

拍手: "Applause". The Japanese verbal noun '拍手 (はくしゅ)' means 'applause'. It refers to the act of clapping one's hands together repeatedly as a way of showing appreciation, approval or praise. This noun is commonly used to describe the sound and action of applauding, such as after a performance or speech. For example: The audience gave the performer thunderous applause - (観客は演奏者に大きな拍手を送った). Let's give the speaker a round of applause - (スピーカーに拍手をおくりましょう).

握手: "Handshake". The Japanese verbal noun '握手 (あくしゅ)' means 'handshake'. This term refers to the act of shaking someone's hand as a greeting or sign of agreement. It is a common custom in many cultures, including Japan. For example: Let's shake hands - (握手しましょう). He gave me a firm handshake - (彼は私に強い握手をした).

聞き手: "Listener". The noun '聞き手 (ききて)' refers to a person who is listening or paying attention to what someone is saying. It is often used in the context of conversation, interviews, or presentations to refer to the person or people receiving the information being conveyed. For example: The listener nodded in agreement - (聞き手は同意してうなずいた). The speaker addressed the listeners - (話し手は聞き手に語りかけた).

右手: "Right hand". The noun '右手 (みぎて)' refers to the right hand, as opposed to the left hand. It is commonly used to describe the dominant hand that most people use for activities requiring dexterity, such as writing, eating or throwing. For example: I write with my right hand - (私は右手で書きます). He shook my right hand - (彼は私の右手を握りました).

上手: "Skilled". The adjectival noun '上手 (じょうず)' means 'skilled'. This word is used to describe someone who is proficient, adept or accomplished at a particular activity or skill. It can be used to describe a wide range of skills, from artistic or creative abilities to more practical skills like cooking or playing sports. For example: She is a skilled painter - (彼女は絵が上手です). He is a skilled chef - (彼は料理が上手です).

勝手: "Arbitrary". The Japanese adjective '勝手 (かって)' means 'arbitrary'. It describes something done or occurring according to one's own inclinations, without regard to the wishes or circumstances of others. This word often has a negative connotation, implying selfish or inconsiderate behavior. For example: He acted in an arbitrary manner - (彼は勝手な行動をした). I don't like how she makes arbitrary decisions - (彼女が勝手な決断をするのが嫌い)

左手: "Left hand". The noun '左手 (ひだりて)' refers to the left hand of a person. It is used to describe the hand on the left side of the body. This word is commonly used in directions, when describing the position of an object, or when discussing which hand is being used for a particular task. For example: I write with my left hand - (私は左手で書きます)。The treasure is in the left hand box - (宝物は左手のボックスにあります).

手数: "Trouble". The Japanese noun '手数 (てすう)' means 'trouble'. It refers to the difficulty, effort or complication involved in doing something. It can be used to describe tasks or situations that require a lot of work, time or attention. For example: This task requires a lot of trouble - (この仕事には手数がかかります). She had a lot of trouble organizing the event - (彼女はイベントの準備に手数がかかりました).

大手: "Major". The Japanese noun '大手 (おおて)' means 'major'. It is typically used to refer to large, well-established companies or corporations that dominate a particular industry or market. For example: The major tech companies - (大手テック企業), He works for a major bank - (彼は大手銀行に勤めている).

手前: "Front" or "Near". The noun '手前 (てまえ)' refers to something that is close, near or in the front. It can be used to describe the position of an object or person relative to the speaker or a specified point of reference. For example: Please place the book on the table in front of you - (あなたの手前のテーブルに本を置いてください). He is standing right in front of me - (彼は私の手前に立っています).

手法: "Method" or "Technique". The Japanese noun '手法 (しゅほう)' refers to a specific method, technique, or approach used to accomplish a task or achieve a goal. It can describe a way of doing something, a procedural process, or a systematic approach. For example: The chef used a special cooking method - (シェフは特別な手法を使った). I learned a new study technique - (新しい勉強の手法を習った).

入手: "Obtain". The noun '入手 (にゅうしゅ)' means 'to obtain'. It refers to the action of acquiring or procuring an item or resource. It can be used in a variety of contexts, such as obtaining information, goods, or services. For example: I was able to obtain the book I wanted - (私は望んでいた本を入手できた). They obtained permission to hold the event - (彼らはそのイベントを開催する許可を入手した).

手形: "Bill" or "Promissory note". The Japanese noun '手形 (てがた)' refers to a 'bill' or 'promissory note'. It is a written financial instrument that acknowledges a debt and promises payment. This can be used in business transactions as a method of deferred payment. For example: I signed a promissory note - (手形に署名した). He paid with a bill - (手形で支払った).

手伝う: "Help". The Japanese verb '手伝う (てつだう)' means 'to help'. It is used to indicate that someone is assisting or supporting another person in completing a task or activity. The verb can be used in both formal and informal contexts. For example: I will help you - (あなたを手伝います). Could you please help me? - (手伝ってください?)

お手伝い: "Help". The verbal noun 'お手伝い (おてつだい)' means 'help'. This term is used to refer to the act of assisting someone with a task or chore. It can be used in a variety of contexts, such as helping with household chores, work-related tasks, or even emotional support. For example: I will help you - (私はあなたをお手伝いします). She asked me to help with the cooking - (彼女は私に料理のお手伝いをしてほしいと頼みました).

手元: "Hand". The noun '手元 (てもと)' refers to the area in front of one's hand, or the place where one's hands are located. It is commonly used to describe the area where one is working or handling something. For example: I can't see what I'm doing with these gloves on - (手袋をつけているので手元が見えない). Be careful with the knife, watch your hands - (ナイフを気をつけて、手元に気をつけてください).

片手: "Hand". The Japanese noun '片手 (かたて)' refers to 'one hand'. It is used to describe a single hand, as opposed to both hands. This word can be used in various contexts, such as: Holding something with one hand - (片手で何かを持つ), Writing with one hand - (片手で書く), One-handed person - (片手の人).

人手: "Manpower". The noun '人手 (ひとで)' means 'manpower'. It refers to the human resources or workforce available for a particular task or project. This word is often used in business and organizational contexts to describe the need for additional staff or employees to complete a job. For example: We need more manpower to finish this project on time - (このプロジェクトを期限内に完了するには、人手が足りない). The company is lacking in manpower to handle the increased workload - (この会社では業務量の増加に人手が追い付いていない).

手入れ: "Care". The Japanese verbal noun '手入れ (ていれ)' means 'care'. This noun refers to the act of maintaining, looking after, or tending to something. It can be used in various contexts, such as taking care of one's appearance, caring for a garden or houseplants, or maintaining the condition of an object. For example: I take care of my car - (私は車の手入れをする). Regular care is necessary - (定期的な手入れが必要だ).

手本: "Model" or "Example". The Japanese noun '手本 (てほん)' means 'model' or 'example'. It refers to something that serves as a standard or pattern for others to follow. '手本' can be used to describe a physical object that is used as a template, or it can refer to a behavior, action, or process that others should emulate. For example: This painting is a good model to follow - (この絵は良い手本です). Let's use this document as an example - (このドキュメントを手本にしましょう).

手伝い: "Help". The noun '手伝い (てつだい)' means 'help'. It refers to the act of assisting or supporting someone in completing a task or activity. This noun can be used to describe the specific help provided, or the general state of providing aid. Example sentences: I need your help with this project - (この仕事を手伝って欲しい). She provided valuable help during the move - (彼女は引っ越しの時に大変助けてくれた).

手帳: "Notebook". The Japanese noun '手帳 (てちょう)' means 'notebook'. It refers to a small book or pad used for writing down notes, schedules, or other information. This type of notebook is commonly used in professional and personal settings in Japan. For example: She writes in her notebook - (彼女は手帳に書いている). I need to buy a new notebook - (新しい手帳を買う必要がある).

仕手: "Speculator". The noun '仕手 (して)' refers to a speculator, someone who engages in speculative trading activities in financial markets to make a profit from price fluctuations. This person takes on significant risk in the hopes of obtaining large gains. For example: The speculator made a killing in the stock market - (仕手は株式市場で大もうけをした).

手軽: "Easy". The Japanese adjective '手軽 (てがる)' means 'easy'. This adjective describes something that is simple, convenient or effortless to do or use. It can be used to describe activities, situations or objects. For example: It's easy to make this recipe - (このレシピは手軽に作れる). This store is easy to find - (この店は手軽に見つかる).

手順: "Procedure". The Japanese noun '手順 (てじゅん)' means 'procedure'. It refers to a series of steps or actions that are taken in order to accomplish a task or achieve a goal. This word is commonly used in business, science, and other technical contexts to describe the established or correct way of doing something. For example: Please follow the correct procedure - (適切な手順に従ってください). The procedure for filing taxes is quite complex - (納税の手順はかなり複雑です).

手当て: "Care" or "Treatment". The Japanese verbal noun '手当て (てあて)' refers to care, assistance or treatment provided for someone. This can include medical treatment, financial assistance, or other forms of support. It is commonly used in phrases like '医療手当て (いりょうてあて)' meaning 'medical treatment' or '手当てを受ける (てあてをうける)' meaning 'to receive care/treatment'. Example sentences: The hospital provided excellent medical treatment for the patient - (病院は患者に優れた医療手当てを行った). I will apply for the financial assistance program - (私は手当ての申請をするつもりです).

手掛かり: "Clue". The noun '手掛かり (てがかり)' means 'clue'. This word refers to a piece of information or evidence that helps to solve a problem or mystery. It can be used in contexts like criminal investigations, research, or any kind of problem-solving. For example: The detective found an important clue at the crime scene - (刑事は犯罪現場で重要な手掛かりを見つけた). The research team uncovered a new clue about the origins of the artifact - (研究チームはその遺物の起源について新しい手掛かりを見つけた).

助手: "Assistant". The Japanese noun '助手 (じょしゅ)' refers to an assistant or helper. This word is commonly used to describe someone who provides support or aid to another person, often in a professional or academic setting. For example: The professor's assistant helped grade the papers - (教授の助手が試験用紙の採点を手伝った). I asked the assistant for help with the presentation - (プレゼンテーションの手伝いを助手に頼んだ).

手足: "Limbs". The Japanese noun '手足 (てあし)' means 'limbs'. This word refers to the arms and legs of a person or animal. It can be used to describe the physical appendages that are used for movement and interaction with the environment. For example: The dog was running on all four limbs - (犬は4つの手足で走っていた). My arms and legs are tired from hiking all day - (私の手足は今日歩き続けたから疲れた).

手間: "Effort". The Japanese noun '手間 (てま)' means 'effort'. It refers to the amount of work, time, and attention required to complete a task or achieve a goal. This word is often used to describe something that requires a significant amount of labor, care, or dedication. For example: It took a lot of effort to build that house - (その家を建てるのに大変な手間がかかった). The dish requires a lot of effort to prepare - (その料理を作るのに手間がかかる).

派手: "Flashy". The Japanese adjective '派手 (はで)' means 'flashy'. This adjective describes something that is very bright, colorful, or eye-catching, often in an ostentatious or showy way. It can be used to describe clothing, makeup, decorations, or even behavior. For example: She wore a flashy dress to the party - (彼女はパーティに派手なドレスを着ていた). His new car is really flashy - (彼の新しい車はとても派手だ).

手洗い: "Handwash". The noun '手洗い (てあらい)' refers to the act of manually washing one's hands, typically with soap and water. It is an important hygiene practice, especially in medical and food preparation settings. For example: I will do a handwash before eating - (食事の前に手洗いをしましょう). The handwash facility is located in the restroom - (手洗い場は洗面所にあります).

手首: "Wrist". The Japanese noun '手首 (てくび)' refers to the wrist, which is the part of the body located between the hand and the arm. The wrist is an important joint that allows for a wide range of motion and flexibility in the hand and fingers. For example: My wrist hurts - (手首が痛い). She broke her wrist in the accident - (彼女は事故で手首を折った).

To make really sure you learn this Kanji, I've prepared an interactive lesson for you. You are going to learn the readings and meanings of this kanji.

But first, you need to know a little bit about Hiragana and Katakana.

Hiragana and katakana are japanese syllabaries, this means that each character represents a syllable.

This are the characters you need to know for this lesson:

The hiragana "し" is read as "shi". The hiragana "て" is read as "te". And The hiragana "ず" is read as "zu".

Heres a quick tutorial on how to use it. You'll be asked three type of questions: meaning, reading, and writing.

For meanings questions all you have to do is type the english meaning. If there is more than one meaning, you have to include them all in your answer separating them by commas (,).

For Reading questions you have to type the reading in romaji (roman letters, our normal alphabet) and it'll be automatically converted to hiragana if necessary. If there is more than one reading, you have to include them all in your answer separating them by commas (,).

For Writing questions some options will appear and all you have to do is select the correct ones.