How do you use "Handy" in a sentence?

That's a handy little gadget. He's handy around the house. Keep that—it might come in handy. She's quite handy with a wrench.' (Irish: 'He's handy with his fists.')

Handy

Q: What does "Handy" mean?

Useful, convenient, skilled with hands Describes something convenient or useful, or a person skilled at practical tasks. In Irish slang, can also mean good at fighting. Very practical, everyday term.

Slang Term BritishAustralianAmerican ★★★★★ Very Common Casual

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Meaning: Useful, convenient, skilled with hands

方便的、好用的、手巧的

Útil, práctico, habilidoso con las manos

便利な、使い勝手の良い、手先が器用な

편리한, 유용한, 손재주가 좋은

Describes something convenient or useful, or a person skilled at practical tasks. In Irish slang, can also mean good at fighting. Very practical, everyday term.

形容某物方便好用，或某人擅长实际操作。在爱尔兰俚语中，还可以表示'擅长打架'。是一个非常实用的日常词汇。

Describe algo conveniente o útil, o a una persona hábil en tareas prácticas. En el argot irlandés, también puede significar bueno peleando. Es un término muy práctico y cotidiano.

何かが便利・使い勝手が良いこと、または実用的な作業が得意な人を表します。アイルランドのスラングでは「喧嘩が強い」という意味にもなります。日常的でとても実用的な言葉です。

편리하거나 유용한 것, 또는 실용적인 일에 능숙한 사람을 묘사한다. 아일랜드 속어에서는 싸움을 잘하다는 뜻도 있다. 매우 실용적이고 일상적인 표현이다.

Examples

That's a handy little gadget.
这个小玩意儿真好用。
Es un aparatito muy práctico.
それは便利な小道具だね。
그거 편리한 작은 도구네.
He's handy around the house.
他做家务很在行。
Es muy mañoso en casa.
彼は家の中のことが何でもできる。
그는 집안일에 능숙해.
Keep that—it might come in handy.
留着吧——可能会派上用场。
Guárdalo, puede que sea útil.
取っておいて——役に立つかもしれないよ。
버리지 마——나중에 쓸모 있을지 몰라.
She's quite handy with a wrench.' (Irish: 'He's handy with his fists.')
她用扳手很在行。爱尔兰用法：他很能打。
Se le da bien la llave inglesa. Irlandés: Se le da bien usar los puños.
彼女はレンチを使うのがうまい。アイルランド語では：彼は拳で戦うのがうまい。
그녀는 렌치를 잘 다뤄. 아일랜드 속어: 그는 주먹이 세다.

Pronunciation

/ˈhændi/

Usage Guide

Context: usefulness, skills, convenience

Tone: practical, approving

✓ Do Say

That's handy.
那很方便。
Eso es práctico.
それは便利だ。
그거 편리하네.
Might come in handy.
可能会派上用场。
Puede que sea útil.
役に立つかもしれない。
나중에 쓸모 있을지 몰라.
He's handy.
他很能干。
Es muy mañoso.
彼は器用だ。
그는 손재주가 좋아.

✗ Don't Say

Irish meaning (fighting) different from standard
爱尔兰的含义（擅长打架）与标准含义不同
El significado irlandés (pelea) es diferente al estándar
アイルランドでの意味（喧嘩が強い）は標準的な意味と異なる
아일랜드식 뜻(싸움)은 일반적 의미와 다름
Generally safe and common
一般来说是安全且常见的用法
En general es seguro y de uso común
一般的に安全でよく使われる表現
전반적으로 무난하고 흔히 쓰임

Common Mistakes

Irish 'handy' can mean good at fighting
Usually means useful/convenient elsewhere

Origin & History

From 'hand' suggesting something within reach or manageable. The practical skill meaning developed naturally. Irish meaning of 'good in a fight' is distinct.

Etymology: From 'hand' (within reach, manageable)

First recorded: General usage from Middle English, slang extensions more recent

Cultural Context

Era: Middle English onwards

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal

Pop culture: DIY and practical skills; Common household phrase

Regional notes: Universal, but Irish meaning is unique.

Variations

HandyCome in handyQuite handy