出手

• Pinyin: chū shǒu
• Hanzi breakdown: 出 = to extend/put out; 手 = hand

Meaning

To make a move; to take action; to strike; to sell off; manner of giving.

Multiple meanings: (1) to take action or make a move in conflict/competition; (2) to sell/dispose of something; (3) generosity in giving. Context determines meaning.

Examples

1. 关键时刻他出手相助，解决了危机。 At the critical moment, he stepped in to help and resolved the crisis.
2. 房价还在涨，现在不是出手的好时机。 Housing prices are still rising — now isn't a good time to sell.
3. 他出手很大方，一出手就是名牌包。 He's very generous — when he gives gifts, it's always designer bags.

Usage Guide

Context: action, business, generosity

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 他一出手就知道是练过的。(You can tell he's trained the moment he makes a move.)
• 这套房子你打算什么时候出手？(When do you plan to sell this apartment?)

Don't Say

• 我出手了一下 (Vague — specify the action, e.g., 我出手帮忙 or 我出手打人)

Origin & History

Compound of 出 (to extend/put out) and 手 (hand). Extending one's hand to act.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal