Japanese word

手近

Pronunciation

Romajitejika

Meaning

  • na-adjectivewithin reach

Example

手近な材料で作ります。te jika na zai ryō de tsuku ri ma su

I make it with materials close at hand.

Illustration for 手近 (within reach)

More examples

手近な店で必要なものをそろえました。te jika na mise de hitsu yō na mo no o so ro e ma shi ta

I got everything I needed at a nearby store.

Core concept

Presents something as close and accessible rather than distant or difficult to obtain.

Common phrases

  • 手近な店te jika na mise

    a nearby store

  • 手近な例te jika na rei

    an accessible example

Similar words

手頃tegoro: Describes something that can be obtained or used without much difficulty or expense.
身近mijika: Describes something close to one's everyday life or experience.
手軽tegaru: Describes something that can be handled with little effort or preparation.

Definition in Japanese

手元にあり、容易に利用できるさま。te moto ni a ri yō i ni ri yō de ki ru sa ma

Word origin

The native Japanese compound 手近 (tejika) joins 手 (te, "hand") with 近い (chikai, "near"), expressing nearness that makes use easy.

Usage tips

  • In phrases such as 手近な材料 (tejika na zairyō), 手近 (tejika) presents the materials as available without a special search, not necessarily as the best materials.

Other meanings

  • handyna-adjective
  • close byna-adjective

Opposites

Related words

  • 手近さtejikasahandinessnoun

Word lists with this word