手を打つ

• Reading: てをうつ
• Romaji: te wo utsu
• Kanji breakdown: 手 (shu/te) — hand; 打 (da/u) — strike, hit
• Pronunciation: /te.o.ɯ.tsɯ/

Meaning

To take measures; to take action; to deal with a problem before it worsens.

A set expression combining 手 (hand, measure) and 打つ (to strike). Primarily used in the sense of taking preventive or corrective action. Also has a secondary meaning of striking a deal or coming to an agreement (clapping hands to seal a bargain). The preventive-measures sense is more common in modern usage, especially in business and crisis management.

Examples

1. 被害が広がる前に手を打つ必要がある。 We need to take action before the damage spreads.
2. 競合他社に先を越される前に手を打った。 We took action before our competitors got ahead of us.
3. 早めに手を打っておいたおかげで、大事には至らなかった。 Thanks to taking action early, the situation didn't become serious.

Usage Guide

Context: business, crisis management, strategy

Tone: decisive

Origin & History

Literally to strike the hand. In traditional Japanese commerce, buyers and sellers clapped hands to finalise a deal. The broader sense of taking decisive action developed from this image of a firm, resolute gesture.

Cultural Context

Era: Edo period

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal