大手

• Reading: おおて
• Romaji: oote
• Kanji breakdown: 大 (ō) — large, great; 手 (te) — hand, means
• Pronunciation: /oː.te/

Meaning

Major company; big company; large-scale enterprise. Also refers to the main gate of a castle.

A noun commonly used as a modifier meaning 'major' or 'leading' when describing companies and organizations — 大手企業 (major corporation), 大手銀行 (major bank). In business contexts, it contrasts with 中小企業 (small and medium enterprises). The original meaning refers to the main gate (正門) of a castle, which remains in place names like 大手町.

Examples

1. 大手メーカーが新しいスマホを発表した。 A major manufacturer announced a new smartphone.
2. 彼女は大手の商社に就職が決まった。 She landed a job at a major trading company.
3. 大手銀行の金利が少しだけ上がった。 Interest rates at major banks went up slightly.

Usage Guide

Context: business, economy, job hunting, news

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

From native Japanese 大 (ō, large) + 手 (te, hand/arm). Originally a military and castle term for the main gate or main force of an army. The business meaning of 'major company' developed in the modern era.

Cultural Context

Era: Edo period

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal