手里

• Pinyin: shǒu li
• Hanzi breakdown: 手 = pictograph of a hand with five fingers; 里 = 田 (field) + 土 (earth), meaning inside or within

Meaning

In one's hand(s); in hand. Indicates something being held or possessed.

A location phrase meaning literally 'inside the hand(s).' Used both literally for something physically held in the hand and figuratively for things under one's control or possession. Very common in everyday speech.

Examples

1. 他手里拿着一本书走了过来。 He walked over holding a book in his hand.
2. 钱都在他手里，我一分都没有。 All the money is in his hands; I don't have a single cent.
3. 她手里的咖啡还没有喝完。 The coffee in her hand hasn't been finished yet.

Usage Guide

Context: everyday, description

Tone: casual

Do Say

• 你手里拿的是什么东西？(What's that you're holding in your hand?)
• 所有的资料都在她手里。(All the materials are in her hands.)

Don't Say

• 我把手机放在手里了。(If you mean you set it down somewhere, don't use 手里 — say 手边 or specify a surface. 手里 means actively held.)

Origin & History

Compound of 手 (hand) and 里 (inside), literally 'inside the hand.'

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal