手はず

• Reading: てはず
• Romaji: tehazu
• Kanji breakdown: 手 (te) — hand; 筈 (hazu) — expectation, notch (often written in hiragana)
• Pronunciation: /te.ha.zɯ/

Meaning

Arrangements; plan; the sequence of steps or preparations laid out in advance.

A noun describing a detailed plan or set of arrangements for how something will proceed. More specific than 手配 — while 手配 focuses on organising resources, 手はず emphasises the planned sequence of actions. Often appears in the expressions 手はずを整える (to make arrangements) and 手はず通り (according to plan). Can also be written 手筈 in kanji.

Examples

1. パーティーの手はずはすべて整っている。 All the arrangements for the party are in place.
2. 明日の会議の手はずを確認しておこう。 Let's confirm the plan for tomorrow's meeting.
3. 手はず通りに進めば問題ないはずだ。 If everything goes according to plan, there shouldn't be any problems.

Usage Guide

Context: planning, events, business, daily life

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

From 手 (te, hand) + はず (hazu, notch of an arrow/expectation). Originally referred to the notch on a bowstring where the arrow sits — a precise, predetermined position. Extended to mean 'predetermined arrangements' or a plan set in its proper place.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal