手が込む

• Reading: てがこむ
• Romaji: te ga komu
• Kanji breakdown: 手 (shu/te) — hand; 込 (ko) — crowded, go into deeply
• Pronunciation: /te.ɡa.ko.mɯ/

Meaning

To be intricate; to be elaborate; to be complicated; to require great skill or effort.

A set expression combining 手 (hand, technique) and 込む (to be crowded, to go into deeply). Describes work that is highly detailed, elaborate, or requires considerable craftsmanship. Most often appears in the past participle form 手が込んだ or the te-iru form 手が込んでいる. Used for cooking, crafts, crimes, and any work showing meticulous attention to detail.

Examples

1. この料理は手が込んでいて、見た目も美しい。 This dish is intricate and beautiful to look at.
2. 犯人の手口は非常に手が込んでいた。 The criminal's method was extremely elaborate.
3. 手が込んだ装飾が施された伝統工芸品に感動した。 I was moved by the traditional craftwork adorned with intricate decorations.

Usage Guide

Context: cooking, craftsmanship, crime descriptions

Tone: appreciative

Origin & History

Idiomatic expression where 手 refers to technique or handiwork and 込む means to go deeply into. Together they describe work into which great manual effort and skill have been invested.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal