手をつなぐ
te o tsunagu
To hold hands in Japanese is 手をつなぐ (te o tsunagu).
Meaning: to clasp each other's hands (verb)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of 手 (te) meaning 'hand', を (o) the object marker and つなぐ (tsunagu) meaning 'to connect' or 'to link'.
Which one should you use?
While 手をつなぐ implies linking fingers or palms together, the phrase 手を握る (te o nigiru) means to grasp or squeeze a hand firmly.
How does it change in a sentence?
To describe the continuous state of holding hands, such as saying 'they are holding hands', use the ~te iru form: 手をつないでいる (te o tsunaide iru).
How do you pronounce it?
te o tsunagu
Did you know?
- In Japan, it is common for adult female friends to 手をつなぐ in public, whereas it is much rarer for adult male friends to do so.
- The word つなぐ originates from the same root as the word for 'rope' or 'binding', framing the act of holding hands as a literal tether.
- The term 手をつなぐ can also be used metaphorically in business or politics to describe two groups forming an alliance or 'linking hands' to achieve a goal.
Examples in context
- つないで歩いていこうねLet's walk while holding hands.
- 手を繋いで映画を見に行こうLet's go watch a movie while holding hands.
- 公園で子供たちが手をつなぐ。Kōen de kodomotachi ga te o tsunagu.Children hold hands in the park.
Example conversation
A couple is walking through a crowded festival.
- 蓮 Ren人が多いから、手をつなごう。Hito ga ooi kara, te o tsunagō.There are a lot of people, so let's hold hands.
- 美咲 Misakiうん、わかった。蓮くん、離さないでね。Un, wakatta. Ren-kun, hanasanaide ne.Okay, I understand. Ren, don't let go.
- 蓮 Ren大丈夫だよ、しっかり手をつなぐよ。Daijōbu dayo, shikkari te o tsunagu yo.It's okay, I will hold your hand tightly.
- 美咲 Misakiありがとう、これで安心だよ。Arigatō, kore de anshin dayo.Thank you, now I feel safe.
