手配

• Reading: てはい
• Romaji: tehai
• Kanji breakdown: 手 (te) — hand; 配 (hai) — distribute, arrange, deliver
• Pronunciation: /te.ha.i/

Meaning

Arrangement; preparations. The act of organising necessary resources, people, or logistics in advance.

A noun and suru-verb (手配する) meaning to make arrangements or preparations for something. Used for booking transportation, arranging personnel, and organising logistics. Also has a specific law-enforcement meaning: 手配する can mean to issue a wanted notice (指名手配, a most-wanted list). Context usually makes the meaning clear. Common collocations include 車を手配する (to arrange a car) and 手配が整う (arrangements are in place).

Examples

1. お客様の送迎用にタクシーを手配しておきます。 I'll arrange a taxi to pick up the guests.
2. 警察が容疑者を全国に手配した。 The police issued a nationwide wanted notice for the suspect.
3. イベントの手配は順調に進んでいる。 Arrangements for the event are going smoothly.

Usage Guide

Context: business, logistics, law enforcement, travel

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

From 手 (te, hand) + 配 (hai, to distribute/arrange). Literally 'to distribute by hand,' describing the hands-on work of organising and putting things in place.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal