Japanese word

手段

Pronunciation

Romajishudan

Meaning

  • nounway

Example

別の手段を探します。betsu no shu dan o saga shi ma su

We will look for another way.

Illustration for 手段 (way)

More examples

電車は便利な移動手段です。den sha wa ben ri na i dō shu dan de su

A train is a convenient means of transportation.

Core concept

Describes a method or route used to achieve a particular goal.

Common phrases

  • 移動手段i dō shu dan

    means of transportation

  • 最後の手段sai go no shu dan

    last resort

Similar words

方法hōhō: A way of doing something or reaching a goal.
やり方yarikata: A way of doing a particular task or activity.
手立てtedate: A means or measure used to solve a problem or achieve a goal.
手法shuhō: A particular method used in a field or for a task.

Definition in Japanese

目的を達成するために用いる方法や手立て。moku teki o tas sei su ru ta me ni mochi i ru hō hō ya te da te

Word origin

手段 (shudan) is a Sino-Japanese compound of 手 (shu, "hand") and 段 (dan, "step" or "stage"), forming a word for a method used to reach an aim.

Usage tips

  • The phrase 手段を選ばない (shudan o erabanai) describes using any method to reach a goal, so the word can take on a negative tone in that expression.

Opposites

Word lists with this word