Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Hand" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "hand", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
手
て (te)
N5 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
渡す
わたす (watasu)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "hand" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 手 and 渡す.
In Japanese, 手 (て (te)) is typically associated with "hand" (Syllabus Level: N5) and represents Refers to the physical hand. Can also be used in idioms.
On the other hand, 渡す (わたす (watasu)) maps to "to hand over, to pass (something)" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents Used when giving something directly to someone, or passing an item across. 相手に物を手渡しする際に使います。. A literal translation of "hand" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "手"
私は右手で字を書きます。
I write with my right hand.
Bilingual Context for "渡す"
駅で友達に切符を渡しました。
I handed the ticket to my friend at the station.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "私は右 ＿＿＿ で字を書きます。" (Meaning: "I write with my right hand.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "手" fits here because it means "hand" in the context of: "I write with my right hand.". "渡す" represents "to hand over, to pass (something)".