Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Hand" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "hand", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
手元
てもと (temoto)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
手持ち
てもち (temochi)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "hand" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 手元 and 手持ち.
In Japanese, 手元 (てもと (temoto)) is typically associated with "at hand, on hand, nearby (in one's possession)" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents 自分の手の届く範囲や、現在自分が持っているものを指します。.
On the other hand, 手持ち (てもち (temochi)) maps to "on hand, in stock, one's own supply, (money) one has on hand" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Refers to something one currently possesses, has on hand, or has in stock. Can apply to items, money, or resources. その人が現在所有しているもの、手元にあるもの、在庫としてあるものを指します。現金や品物など、様々なものに対して使われます。. A literal translation of "hand" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "手元"
常に辞書を手元に置いて勉強している。
I always keep a dictionary at hand while studying.
Bilingual Context for "手持ち"
今、手持ちのお金がないので、買えない。
I don't have any money on hand right now, so I can't buy it.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "常に辞書を ＿＿＿ に置いて勉強している。" (Meaning: "I always keep a dictionary at hand while studying.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "手元" fits here because it means "at hand, on hand, nearby (in one's possession)" in the context of: "I always keep a dictionary at hand while studying.". "手持ち" represents "on hand, in stock, one's own supply, (money) one has on hand".