手段
shudan[ɕɨdã̠ɴ]
The English word "means" can be translated into Japanese as 手段 (shudan). If unsure, use 手段. Wiktionary also lists 方法 (hōhō).
Meaning: instrument or condition for attaining a purpose (noun)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 手段 | shudan | [ɕɨdã̠ɴ] (narrow) |
| 方法 | hōhō | [ho̞ːho̞ː] (narrow) |
The term refers to an instrument or condition used for attaining a purpose. You may also use the suffix 方 combined with verbs to express "the way to do something."
Which one should you use?
While both words translate to means, 手段 (shudan) often implies a specific tool, instrument or a particular way of executing a task, sometimes carrying a nuance of the 'how' in a more tactical or even unscrupulous sense. 方法 (hōhō) is used to mean "means" or "method."
How do you pronounce it?
shudan
Did you know?
- The characters in 方法 (hōhō) originally referred to a 'law' or 'rule' in ancient contexts. The 'fang' (方) character itself can mean 'direction' or 'square', adding a sense of 'orderly direction' to the concept of a method.
- If you want to say 'by means of' a specific tool, Japanese often uses the particle で (de) rather than a complex noun phrase. For example, 'bus de' translates to 'by means of a bus'.
- When a Japanese speaker says 手段を講じる (shudan o kōjiru), they are not just 'taking means' but 'lecturing' or 'organizing' a set of measures, as 講じる relates to the act of explaining or arranging a system.
Examples in context
- 手段を択ばないよね。There is no means you won't stoop to, isn't that right.This sentence shows how 手段 is used to describe someone willing to stoop to any level.Tatoeba #10898961 by small_snow, translation #13663816 by terrywallwork
- 目的は手段を選ばない。The end justifies the means.This sentence uses 手段 in the common proverb about the end justifying the means.Tatoeba #79893 by small_snow, translation #26656 by MUIRIEL
- 逃げる方法を考えなくては。We must devise some means of escape.This sentence uses 方法 to express a means of escape.Tatoeba #4213337 by small_snow, translation #25054 by CK
- 私は効果的な方法で問題を解決しました。I solved the problem using an effective means/method.
- 彼は合理的な手段を使って目標を達成した。He achieved his goal using rational means.
- これは一番簡単な方法だよ。This is the simplest means/method.
- その手段はちょっと非効率的だと思う。I think that means/method is a bit inefficient.
- ウイルスに対する対策を考えましょう。Let's think of means/countermeasures for the virus.
- 15 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Yota and Himari are discussing how to travel to a remote village.
- 陽太 Yota村へ行く手段はあるかな？mura e iku shudan wa aru kana?Is there a means to get to the village?
- 陽葵 Himariバスが一本だけあるよ。basu ga ippon dake aru yo.There is only one bus.
- 陽太 Yota陽葵、そのバスの時間は？himari, sono basu no jikan wa?Himari, what is the time for that bus?
- 陽葵 Himari午前中なら何回かあるよ。gozenchuu nara nankai ka aru yo.There are several in the morning.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “means” translations and entries 手段, 方法, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 方法, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
