Japanese word

手すり

Pronunciation

Romajitesuri

Meaning

  • nounhandrail

Example

階段の手すりを持ちます。kai dan no te su ri o mo chi ma su

I hold the handrail on the stairs.

Illustration for 手すり (handrail)

More examples

玄関の手すりがあると、靴を履くときも安心です。gen kan no te su ri ga a ru to kutsu o ha ku to ki mo an shin de su

Having a handrail by the entrance makes putting on shoes safer.

Core concept

It provides a reachable surface that supports the body when someone holds it while walking or climbing.

Common phrases

  • 手すりにつかまるte su ri ni tsu ka ma ru

    hold onto the handrail

  • 手すりを握るte su ri o nigi ru

    grip the handrail

  • 手すりを取り付けるte su ri o to ri tsu ke ru

    install a handrail

Similar words

欄干rankan: A barrier with a rail along the edge of a bridge, balcony, or staircase.

Definition in Japanese

階段や通路の脇に設け、歩行中に手でつかんで体を支える横木。kai dan ya tsū ro no waki ni mō ke ho kō chū ni te de tsu ka n de karada o sasa e ru yoko gi

Word origin

手すり (tesuri) is a native Japanese compound of 手 (te, "hand") and すり (suri), related to 擦る (suru, "to rub"), because the hand touches and moves along the support.

Usage tips

  • In English, banister often refers to the handrail of a staircase, whereas handrail also naturally describes the rail beside a ramp, walkway, or other passage.

Other meanings

  • banisternoun
  • railingnoun

Word lists with this word