接手

• Pinyin: jiē shǒu
• Hanzi breakdown: 接 = to receive, connect; 手 = hand

Meaning

To take over; to assume responsibility for. Taking control of something from someone else.

Used when someone takes over a task, project, business, or responsibility from another person. Implies the previous person has relinquished control. More hands-on and immediate than 接班, which suggests succession.

Examples

1. 我刚接手这个项目，还在熟悉情况。 I just took over this project and am still getting familiar with the situation.
2. 她接手这家濒临倒闭的公司后，三年内扭亏为盈。 After she took over this company on the verge of bankruptcy, it turned a profit within three years.
3. 没人愿意接手这个烂摊子。 No one wants to take over this mess.

Usage Guide

Context: work, business, projects

Tone: practical

Do Say

• 这个案子我来接手。(I'll take over this case.)
• 他接手后做了很多改进。(He made many improvements after taking over.)

Don't Say

• 用'接手'描述接过实物 (Don't use 接手 for physically receiving an object — use 接过来 or 拿过来; 接手 is for responsibilities and control)

Origin & History

Composed of 接 (to receive) + 手 (hand). Literally means to receive into one's hands, implying taking hands-on control.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal