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手元てもと

てもと · temoto

JLPT N1 › noun

At hand, on hand, nearby, close at hand

  • way of moving one's arms, skill
  • money at hand, pocket money
  • grip, handle

Other ways to say “at hand” in Japanese →

てもとが
Odaka

falls on the next particle · what is pitch accent?

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How it’s used

Used in everyday speech for something physically within reach, especially money or a tool you need right now.

Often confused with 手前 (temae), which means 'in front of oneself' or 'before one's eyes,' while 手元 focuses on the space within arm's reach.

Example sentences

I keep a dictionary at hand when I study.

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I don't have enough cash on hand to pay.

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While enduring the pain of the injection, I stared at the nurse's hands.

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Kanji in this word

手Hand 音 しゅ・ず 訓 て・て- JLPT N4 · 4 strokes 元Beginning, Former Time, Origin 音 げん・がん 訓 もと JLPT N4 · 4 strokes

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Words that share a kanji

手てhand手数てすうtrouble, labor, handling入手にゅうしゅobtaining, coming to hand手近てぢかnear, handy, familiar～手～しゅ~ player, person who does ~手配てはいarrangement, search (by police)元もとorigin, original; former元々もともとoriginally, by nature, from the start

Questions

What does 手元 mean?

At hand, on hand, nearby, close at hand. It can also mean: way of moving one's arms, skill; money at hand, pocket money; grip, handle.

How do you pronounce 手元?

てもと (temoto). Pitch accent: odaka — falls on the next particle. Press Listen above to hear it.

What JLPT level is 手元?

JLPT N1 — advanced. See the JLPT N1 guide.

How do I remember 手元?

Say it out loud with an example sentence, test yourself above, then save it to your deck: Nihoner brings it back just before you would forget it (spaced repetition).

At hand, on hand, nearby,…