手入れ

• Reading: ていれ
• Romaji: teire
• Kanji breakdown: 手 (te) — hand; 入れ (ire) — putting in, inserting
• Pronunciation: /te.i.ɾe/

Meaning

Maintenance; upkeep; care; tending to. Also used for a police raid or crackdown.

A noun (also する verb) with two distinct senses: (1) regular care and maintenance of objects, spaces, or one's body — garden upkeep, blade sharpening, or skincare; (2) a sudden police search or enforcement raid. In everyday contexts, meaning (1) is overwhelmingly more common and carries a positive, nurturing nuance.

Examples

1. 庭の植木に定期的に手入れをしないと、すぐに荒れてしまう。 If you don't tend to the garden plants regularly, they quickly fall into disarray.
2. 使い込んだ革靴は手入れ次第で何年も長持ちする。 A well-worn leather shoe, with the right care, can last for many years.
3. 彼女は肌の手入れに毎朝丁寧な時間をかけている。 She takes careful, unhurried time every morning to look after her skin.

Usage Guide

Context: household, gardening, personal care, crafts

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Literally 'inserting the hand' — the act of directly engaging with something to maintain or repair it. The metaphor of hands-on care is central to the word's meaning.

Cultural Context

Era: Traditional–Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal