Translation and Meaning of: 手数 - tekazu

The Japanese word 手数 (てかず, tekazu) may seem simple at first glance, but it carries interesting nuances both in meaning and everyday usage. If you are studying Japanese or just curious about expressions in the language, understanding what it represents and how it is applied can enrich your knowledge. In this article, we will explore its meaning, origin, and cultural context, as well as memorization tips based on reliable sources.

Often, 手数 is translated as "number of actions" or "work involved," but its use goes beyond the literal meaning. It appears in situations that involve effort, steps, or even strategies, especially in contexts such as games, cooking, and everyday tasks. Here at Suki Nihongo, we aim to provide clear and practical explanations so that you not only decipher the vocabulary but also understand how the Japanese actually use these words.

Meaning and usage of 手数

Tekazu (てかず) is composed of the kanji 手 (hand) and 数 (number, count), which already suggests an idea of "counting actions" or "quantity of movements". However, its meaning encomes more than that. It refers to the effort or work required to accomplish something, often with a connotation of complexity or multiple steps. For example, in culinary recipes, it can describe a dish that requires many steps to prepare.

In games like shogi (Japanese chess) or go, 手数 (tekazu) refers to the number of moves or plays made. In this context, the word takes on a strategic tone, as an experienced player seeks to minimize unnecessary moves. Outside of the boards, it also appears in expressions like 手数がかかる (tekazu ga kakaru), which means "to require a lot of work" or "to be a lot of work."

Origin and components of kanjis

The etymology of 手数 directly refers to the combination of the kanjis that form it. 手 (te) represents the hand, but also symbolizes action or skill, while 数 (kazu) is related to counting, numbers, or quantity. Together, they convey the notion of measuring effort through the actions performed. It is worth noting that this composition is clear in Japanese, meaning that native speakers easily associate the ideograms with the meaning of the word.

Interestingly, 手数 is not an archaic term nor has it undergone significant semantic changes over time. Its usage remains consistent, although its scope has expanded to fields such as technology and management, where it can describe processes with many steps. Unlike other words that have gained metaphorical meanings, 手数 retains its practical essence.

Tips for memorizing and using correctly

An effective way to memorize 手数 is to associate it with situations involving counting steps or effort. For example, think of a recipe with many ingredients and techniques — that's "tekazu ga ōi" (手数が多い, "requires many steps"). Another tip is to its use in strategy games, where every move counts. Repeating phrases like 手数を減らす (reduce the number of actions) also helps to internalize the term.

Avoid confusing 手数 with words like 手段 (shudan, "means" or "method"), which has a broader focus and does not necessarily involve counting. Additionally, pay attention to the kanji 数, which is often read as "suu" in other contexts, but appears here as "kazu." This variation in reading is common in compounds, and recognizing it makes it easier to learn similar .

Vocabulary

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Synonyms and similar words

• 手間 (tema) - Effort, work, or time needed to complete a task.
• 労力 (rōryoku) - Physical or mental effort applied to a task.
• 苦労 (kurou) - Difficulties or suffering encountered while performing a task, often associated with excessive effort.
• 骨折り (honeori) - Considerable or strenuous effort, often used to describe a difficult job that consumes energy.
• 煩わしさ (warawashisa) - Inconvenience or annoyance that may arise when performing a task, highlighting its bothersome nature.