Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Handle" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "handle", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
手掛ける
てがける (tegakeru)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
手がける
てがける (tegakeru)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "handle" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 手掛ける and 手がける.
In Japanese, 手掛ける (てがける (tegakeru)) is typically associated with "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..
On the other hand, 手がける (てがける (tegakeru)) maps to "to handle, to undertake, to work on, to manage" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Implies active involvement, management, or responsibility in creating, developing, or dealing with something. Often used for projects, products, businesses, or works of art.. A literal translation of "handle" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
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.
Bilingual Context for "手がける"
彼は数々のヒット商品を手がけてきた。
He has worked on numerous hit products.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "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。" (Meaning: "He has undertaken many large-scale projects over many years.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "手掛ける" fits here because it means "to handle, to manage, to undertake, to work on" in the context of: "He has undertaken many large-scale projects over many years.". "手がける" represents "to handle, to undertake, to work on, to manage".