手荷物

• Reading: てにもつ
• Romaji: tenimotsu
• Kanji breakdown: 手 (te/shu) — hand; 荷 (ni/ka) — luggage, load; 物 (motsu/mono) — thing, object
• Pronunciation: /te.ni.mo.tsɯ/

Meaning

Hand luggage; hand baggage. Small bags or items carried personally by a traveller.

A noun composed of 手 (hand) and 荷物 (luggage). Refers to carry-on bags for planes and personal items at stations. Often seen at airports in phrases like 手荷物検査 (baggage inspection) and on signs indicating size and weight limits.

Examples

1. 手荷物は座席の下に置いてください。 Please place your carry-on luggage under the seat.
2. 手荷物検査に時間がかかった。 The baggage inspection took a long time.
3. 大きい手荷物を預けなければなりません。 You need to check large carry-on items.

Usage Guide

Context: airports, trains, travel

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Compound of 手 (hand) and 荷物 (luggage). Literally means luggage carried by hand, distinguishing it from checked baggage (預け荷物).

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal