Japanese word

片手

Pronunciation

Romajikatate

Meaning

  • nounone hand

Example

片手でドアを開けます。kata te de do a o a ke ma su

I open the door with one hand.

Illustration for 片手 (one hand)

More examples

重い箱は片手では持ちにくいです。omo i bako wa kata te de wa mo chi ni ku i de su

A heavy box is difficult to carry with one hand.

Core concept

It centers on one of the two hands being used or considered separately from the other.

Common phrases

  • 片手で持つkata te de mo tsu

    hold with one hand

  • 片手で開けるkata te de a ke ru

    open with one hand

  • 片手に持つkata te ni mo tsu

    hold in one hand

Similar words

手te: The body part at the end of an arm that is used for holding and moving things.

Definition in Japanese

左右の手のうち、どちらか一方の手。sa yū no te no u chi do chi ra ka ip pō no te

Word origin

片 (kata, "one side") + 手 (te, "hand") forms 片手 (katate), meaning one of the hands.

Usage tips

  • In Japanese sports commentary, 片手 (katate) distinguishes a one-handed technique from a two-handed technique, such as a one-handed backhand.

Opposites

Word lists with this word