Japanese word

取っ手

Pronunciation

Romajitotte

Meaning

  • nounhandle

Example

ドアの取っ手を引きます。do a no to tte o hi ki ma su

I pull the door handle.

Illustration for 取っ手 (handle)

More examples

引き出しの取っ手をつかんで開けます。hi ki da shi no to tte o tsu ka n de a ke ma su

I open the drawer by gripping its handle.

Core concept

A part that gives the hand a firm point for moving, carrying, or operating an object.

Common phrases

  • ドアの取っ手do a no to tte

    door handle

  • 取っ手を引くto tte o hi ku

    pull the handle

  • 取っ手をつかむto tte o tsu ka mu

    grip the handle

Similar words

持ち手mochite: A part designed to be held when carrying or using an object.
引き手hikite: A part used to pull a door, drawer, or similar object open.
柄gara: The part of a tool or object that is held in the hand.

Definition in Japanese

手を掛けて物を動かしたり持ち上げたりするための部分。te o ka ke te mono o ugo ka shi ta ri mo chi a ge ta ri su ru ta me no bu bun

Word origin

The noun 取っ手 (totte) comes from 取る (toru, "take or grasp") and 手 (te, "hand"), with the combined form meaning a part grasped by hand.

Usage tips

  • The English verb handle appears in phrases such as "handle a problem," but the Japanese noun 取っ手 (totte) refers to a physical part rather than an act of dealing with something.

Other meanings

  • gripnoun
  • knobnoun

Word lists with this word