手がける

• Reading: てがける
• Romaji: tegakeru
• Kanji breakdown: 手 (shu/te) — hand
• Pronunciation: /te.ɡa.ke.ɾɯ/

Meaning

To handle; to manage; to work on; to have experience with. Used for projects or creative works one has been involved in.

A Group 2 (ichidan) transitive verb meaning to take on and manage work, especially creative or professional projects. Commonly used for architects, designers, directors, and other professionals describing works they have produced or overseen. Implies hands-on involvement and personal responsibility.

Examples

1. この建築家は数多くの公共施設を手がけてきた。 This architect has worked on numerous public facilities.
2. 彼女が手がけた作品は国際的に高い評価を受けている。 The works she has produced are highly acclaimed internationally.
3. 新しいプロジェクトを手がけることになった。 I ended up taking on a new project.

Usage Guide

Context: creative professions, business, portfolio descriptions

Tone: professional

Origin & History

Compound of 手 (hand) and がける (to apply, to set about). The image is of putting one's hands to work on something, implying direct personal involvement in a task or creation.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Professional