Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Hand" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "hand", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
渡す
わたす (watasu)
N4 / 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 渡す and 手持ち.
In Japanese, 渡す (わたす (watasu)) is typically associated with "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。.
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 "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.
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: "駅で友達に切符を渡しました。" (Meaning: "I handed the ticket to my friend at the station.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "渡す" fits here because it means "to hand over, to pass (something)" in the context of: "I handed the ticket to my friend at the station.". "手持ち" represents "on hand, in stock, one's own supply, (money) one has on hand".