Quadruple VS
Synonym Boundary: "手", "渡す", "手元", "手持ち"
All represent the core concept "hand", but require precise selection.
Japanese Option A
手
て (te)
N5 / CEFR
Japanese Option B
渡す
わたす (watasu)
N4 / CEFR
Japanese Option C
手元
てもと (temoto)
N2 / CEFR
Japanese Option D
手持ち
てもち (temochi)
N2 / CEFR
Quadruple VS Nuance Contrast & Social Differences
When expressing "hand" in Japanese, you must carefully distinguish between "手", "渡す", "手元", "手持ち" based on context.
- 手 (て (te) - Level: N5): Maps to "hand" and is used when Refers to the physical hand. Can also be used in idioms.
- 渡す (わたす (watasu) - Level: N4): Maps to "to hand over, to pass (something)" and is used when 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。.
- 手元 (てもと (temoto) - Level: N2): Maps to "at hand, on hand, nearby (in one's possession)" and is used when 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。.
- 手持ち (てもち (temochi) - Level: N2): Maps to "on hand, in stock, one's own supply, (money) one has on hand" and is used when 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。.
Context for "手"
私は右手で字を書きます。
I write with my right hand.
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.
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.
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.
Synonym Mastery Challenge
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" is correct here because it represents "hand" in the context: "I write with my right hand.".