手間

• Reading: てま
• Romaji: tema
• Kanji breakdown: 手 (te/shu) — hand; 間 (ma/kan) — interval, space
• Pronunciation: /te.ma/

Meaning

Time and effort; labor; trouble. Refers to the work or hassle required for a task.

A noun that encompasses both time and effort spent on something. Common expressions include 手間がかかる (takes effort/time), 手間を省く (save effort), and 手間ひま (time and effort). It carries a nuance of tedious or painstaking work rather than physical strength.

Examples

1. この料理は手間がかかるけどおいしい。 This dish takes a lot of time and effort, but it's delicious.
2. 手間を省くために冷凍食品を使った。 I used frozen food to save myself the trouble.
3. 引っ越しの手続きは本当に手間だった。 The moving paperwork was really a hassle.

Usage Guide

Context: daily life, cooking, work

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Native Japanese compound. 手 (te, hand) combined with 間 (ma, interval/space), suggesting the time one spends working with one's hands.

Cultural Context

Era: Ancient

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal