手
Hand
て (te)
JLPT N5
Interesting Fact
You've probably seen a "Maneki-neko", the famous cat with one paw raised. According to tradition, the raised paw invites customers, good fortune, and wealth. That's why these cats are commonly found in restaurants, shops, and businesses throughout Japan. One waving hand turned a cat into a national icon.
Memory Trick
Picture a hand raised for a high-five. The fingers spread out at the top create the strokes of 手.
Readings
Onyomi: シュ (shu)
Kunyomi: て (te)
Example Words
手
て (te)
Hand
上手
じょうず (jouzu)
Skillful
手紙
てがみ (tegami)
Letter
運転手
うんてんしゅ (untenshu)
Driver
Example Sentence
手を洗ってください。
て を あらって ください。
te o aratte kudasai
Please wash your hands.