Japanese word

手元

Pronunciation

Romajitemoto

Meaning

  • adverbat hand

Example

本を手元に置きます。hon o te moto ni o ki ma su

I keep the book at hand.

Illustration for 手元 (at hand)

More examples

辞書を手元に置くと、分からない言葉をすぐ調べられます。ji sho o te moto ni o ku to wa ka ra na i koto ba o su gu shira be ra re ma su

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Core concept

Describes something located within easy reach and ready for immediate use.

Common phrases

  • 手元に置くte moto ni o ku

    keep at hand

  • 手元にないte moto ni na i

    not be at hand

Similar words

近くchikaku: In a place that is not far from the person or place concerned.

Definition in Japanese

手の届く近くに置かれ、必要なときすぐ使えるさま。te no todo ku chika ku ni o ka re hitsu yō na to ki su gu tsuka e ru sa ma

Word origin

手元 (temoto) is a compound of 手 (te, "hand") and 元 (moto, "base" or "origin"), forming the idea of the place close to one's hands.

Usage tips

  • In everyday English, at hand can mean readily available, so 手元 (temoto) applies to an object kept close for use rather than merely located somewhere nearby.

Other meanings

  • nearbyadverb

Word lists with this word