手堅い

• Reading: てがたい
• Romaji: tegatai
• Kanji breakdown: 手 (te) — hand, approach; 堅い (katai) — firm, solid, reliable
• Pronunciation: /te.ɡa.ta.i/

Meaning

Solid; steady; reliable; safe; conservative. Describes an approach, method, or person that is cautious, dependable, and free from unnecessary risk.

An i-adjective combining 手 (te, hand, approach) and 堅い (katai, firm, solid, reliable). It describes the opposite of recklessness—methodical, measured, and trustworthy. In business, investment, sports, and daily decision-making, 手堅い carries a positive connotation of professional steadiness. The adverbial form is 手堅く (tegataku).

Examples

1. 彼は手堅い投資戦略を好み、リスクの高い取引には手を出さなかった。 He preferred a solid investment strategy and stayed well clear of high-risk trades.
2. 試合は攻撃より守備を重視した手堅い展開で進んだ。 The match proceeded in a steady, defence-first style that prioritised security over attack.
3. 手堅く実績を積み上げてきた彼が、今度こそ昇進するだろう。 He has built his track record steadily and reliably—this time, surely, he will be promoted.

Usage Guide

Context: business, finance, sports, career

Tone: positive

Origin & History

Compound of 手 (te, hand, approach) and 堅い (katai, firm, solid, unwavering). The image of firm, steady hands—reliable in execution and resistant to shortcuts—gives the word its connotation of professional dependability.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: Adults

Social background: Universal