Compound verbs in Japanese help add nuance or can change the meaning altogether. Both 手を出す and 手を差し出す literally mean “to put out one’s hand,” but they are different.
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First, let's break down the kanji for these phrases.
手
- On: シュ、 ズ
- Kun: て、 た-
- Meaning: hand
出
- On: シュツ
- Kun: だ・す； で・る
- Meaning: to go out; leave
差
- On: サ
- Kun: さ.す、 さ.し
- Meaning: distinction; difference; variation
Now, let's explore how to use these two similar-sounding phrases through example sentences. This approach is an effective way to internalize challenging idiomatic expressions, as well as to enhance vocabulary and grasp Japanese sentence structure. After reviewing the examples, test your knowledge with our interactive quizzes at the bottom of the page.
手を出す vs. 手を差し出す
First, let’s look at the simpler 手を出す which is an idiomatic expression.
手を出す
Meaning: Literally means “to put out one's hand,” but often used idiomatically to describe starting a fight, intervening unwelcomely, or meddlesome actions. This is generally used in negative scenarios.
Examples:
彼は怒って手を出した 。
Translation and Vocabulary
Idiomatic Nuance: To interfere or meddle in someone else's affairs:
With this next example, it suggests intervening or meddling in situations where one might not be welcome.
彼女は人の問題に手を出すのが好きではない。
Translation and Vocabulary
Idiomatic Nuance: To embark on a new venture or to try something new:
It can mean to start a new project or hobby. But even here, it is usually used in a negative light.
新しいビジネスに手を出して、失敗した。
Translation and Vocabulary
Idiomatic Nuance: To touch someone inappropriately:
This meaning implies unwelcome or inappropriate physical contact.
上司が部下に手を出した。
Translation and Vocabulary
Idiomatic Nuance: To steal or take something without permission:
It can also imply the act of stealing or taking something that doesn't belong to one.
彼は店の商品に手を出した。
Translation and Vocabulary
Each of these meanings showcases the versatility of the expression "手を出す," making it a useful phrase to understand in various contexts for learners of the Japanese language.
Now, let's look at the other version which includes a compound verb.
手を差し出す
Meaning: Compound Verbs in Japanese add nuance or extra meaning. Literally, this translates to “to extend one's hand.” It is used to describe reaching out for a handshake.
To propose a handshake: Literally extending one's hand for a handshake, often as a gesture of greeting, agreement, or reconciliation.
和解のしるしとして、彼は手を差し出した。
Translation and Vocabulary
彼女は笑顔で手を差し出しました。
Translation and Vocabulary
会議で新しいメンバーに手を差し出した。
Translation and Vocabulary
彼女は手を差し出して、エレベーターのボタンを押した。
Translation and Vocabulary
More Compound Verbs in Japanese:
A similar expression is 手を差し伸べる which like 手を差し出す can mean reaching out for a handshake, it also is used figuratively for offering help or support.
手を差し伸べる
The phrase "手を差し伸べる" can be broken down as follows:
- 手 - hand
- を - [direct object marker]
- 差し伸べる - to extend; to hold out; to offer [literally "to stretch out one's hand"]
The phrase typically means to offer one's hand in a figurative sense, such as offering help, assistance, or support. It can also be used literally, as in physically extending one's hand towards someone or something.
Practicing Compound Verbs in Japanese:
Go through the example sentences and then try arranging the words below in a correct order. Other sequences are possible, but the game is set to the order in the example sentences. In other words, if you get the order "wrong" it may still be correct.
Sentence Scramble Game
Drag and drop the words so they mean "" Be sure to drop ON words rather than between words:
Vocabulary Quizes
Take this quick quiz based on vocabulary found on this lesson page.
Match the Meaning
Flip two cards to match the Japanese with the English.
Want more?
If you are a Makoto+ member, please click here for a 14-page PDF on many other Japanese compound verbs. It also includes 17 new example sentences and 17 sound files. Not a Makoto+ member? Please consider supporting us by becoming a member. You will get instant access to ALL podcast transcripts as well as the latest Makoto e-zine issue, shadowing sentences, haiku lessons, Japanese tongue twisters, and much more.
