手段

• Reading: しゅだん
• Romaji: shudan
• Kanji breakdown: 手 (shu/te) — hand, skill; 段 (dan) — step, level, means
• Pronunciation: /ɕɯ.daɴ/

Meaning

Means; way; measure. A method or approach used to achieve a goal.

A noun describing the methods or tools used to accomplish something. More formal than 方法 (houhou, method) and often implies a deliberate or strategic choice. Common in phrases like 手段を選ぶ (to choose a means) and あらゆる手段 (every possible means).

Examples

1. 問題を解決する手段を考えましょう。 Let's think of a means to solve the problem.
2. 目的のためにどんな手段を使いますか。 What means will you use to achieve your goal?
3. 交通手段はバスか電車がいいと思います。 I think a bus or train would be a good means of transportation.

Usage Guide

Context: problem-solving, business, daily life

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Combines 手 (hand/skill) and 段 (step/level/means). The image is of a hand taking concrete steps — practical methods for achieving something.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal