Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Handle" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "handle", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
取り扱う
とりあつかう (toriatsukau)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
手掛ける
てがける (tegakeru)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "handle" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 取り扱う and 手掛ける.
In Japanese, 取り扱う (とりあつかう (toriatsukau)) is typically associated with "to handle, to deal with, to manage, to treat" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Can refer to handling objects.
On the other hand, 手掛ける (てがける (tegakeru)) maps to "to handle, to manage, to undertake, to work on" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Often implies direct involvement, responsibility, or expertise in a project or task.. A literal translation of "handle" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "取り扱う"
この荷物は壊れやすいので、慎重に取り扱ってください。
This package is fragile, so please handle it carefully.
Bilingual Context for "手掛ける"
彼は長年にわたり多くの大規模プロジェクトを手掛けてきた。
He has undertaken many large-scale projects over many years.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "この荷物は壊れやすいので、慎重に取り扱ってください。" (Meaning: "This package is fragile, so please handle it carefully.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "取り扱う" fits here because it means "to handle, to deal with, to manage, to treat" in the context of: "This package is fragile, so please handle it carefully.". "手掛ける" represents "to handle, to manage, to undertake, to work on".