手の内・手のうち|てのうちtenouchi[2]nakadaka (mid-high)

Common
Which spelling to use
手の内手の内 is the most common written form and is the best choice for learners when writing this word.
手のうち手のうち is a less common spelling of the same word; you may encounter it, but beginners should generally choose 手の内 instead.
Definitions
  1. nounpalm (of one's hand)
  2. nounskill
  3. noun(in one's) grip; (under one's) control; (in one's) pocket
  4. nounone's (concealed) intentions; one's cards; one's scheme
    手の内てのうちを見みせるべきです。↗
    You should lay your cards out on the table.
  5. noun, mahjong, card gamesone's hand
Synonyms & antonyms
  • Synonym腕前うでまえNeutralAbility or skill, as in 「腕前を見せる」; 「手の内」 also means skill but more often refers to one's tactics or hidden cards, as in 「手の内を明かす」.
  • Related掌中しょうちゅうWrittenWritten/formal term for the palm of the hand, or figuratively what one can control at will, as in 「掌中に収める」; stresses control.

Use 「手の内」 for the palm of the hand or for tactics and cards you keep hidden, as in 「手の内を明かす」 and 「手の内を読む」; for what you control say 「掌中」, for skill say 「腕前」.

Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only

Japanese definitions
  1. 手てのひらの部分ぶぶん。
  2. 物事ものごとをうまくやる技術ぎじゅつや腕前うでまえ。
  3. 自分じぶんの支配下しはいかにあること。コントロール下した。
  4. 隠かくしている本当ほんとうの考かんがえや目的もくてき。
  5. カードゲームなどで持もっているカード。
Kanji in this word
English equivalents
See also

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