顺手

• Pinyin: shùn shǒu
• Hanzi breakdown: 顺 = 川 + 页 (flow smoothly); 手 = 手 (hand)

Meaning

Conveniently; smoothly. As an adjective, handy or easy to use.

Describes doing something easily while already engaged in another activity, or tools that feel comfortable to use. Can also describe habitual actions done without thinking, sometimes with negative connotations like petty theft.

Examples

1. 这把刀用起来很顺手。 This knife feels comfortable to use.
2. 他顺手关上了门。 He closed the door on his way out.
3. 请顺手把垃圾带下楼。 On your way out, please take the trash downstairs.

Usage Guide

Context: daily activities, tools, convenience

Tone: casual

Do Say

• 新键盘用了几天就顺手了。(After using the new keyboard for a few days, it feels comfortable.)
• 出门时顺手把灯关了。(Turn off the lights conveniently when you leave.)

Don't Say

• 我很顺手地难过 — 顺手 is for physical actions and convenience, not emotional states

Origin & History

顺 (smooth/along) + 手 (hand)

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal