Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Clue" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "clue", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
手掛かり
てがかり (tegakari)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
手がかり
てがかり (tegakari)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "clue" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 手掛かり and 手がかり.
In Japanese, 手掛かり (てがかり (tegakari)) is typically associated with "clue, lead, trace, hint" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Something that helps in solving a mystery, finding something lost, or making progress in a task. It's a key piece of information or an initial step..
On the other hand, 手がかり (てがかり (tegakari)) maps to "clue, lead, hint" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Refers to a piece of information or an object that helps to solve a mystery or find something. 問題解決や物事を見つけるための情報や糸口。. A literal translation of "clue" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "手掛かり"
事件解決の手掛かりが見つかった。
A clue to solving the case was found.
Bilingual Context for "手がかり"
犯人は何も手がかりを残さなかった。
The culprit left no clues.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "事件解決の ＿＿＿ が見つかった。" (Meaning: "A clue to solving the case was found.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "手掛かり" fits here because it means "clue, lead, trace, hint" in the context of: "A clue to solving the case was found.". "手がかり" represents "clue, lead, hint".