手形(てがた)

てがた
noun
promissory note; bill of exchange; handprint
business
1. promissory note, bill of exchange, draft
A written promise to pay a specified sum of money at a future date, used in business transactions.
手形(てがた)で支払(しはら)う。
To pay by promissory note.
手形(てがた)が不渡(ふわた)りになった。
The promissory note was dishonored.
不渡(ふわた)り = dishonored check/note
取引先(とりひきさき)から手形(てがた)を受(う)け取(と)った。
I received a promissory note from a business partner.
2. handprint, hand impression
An impression or print made by a hand, often used for commemorative purposes or as souvenirs.
力士(りきし)の手形(てがた)をもらった。
I got a sumo wrestler's handprint.
赤(あか)ちゃんの手形(てがた)を記念(きねん)に残(のこ)した。
We kept the baby's handprint as a keepsake.
有名(ゆうめい)な俳優(はいゆう)の手形(てがた)がコンクリートに刻(きざ)まれている。
A famous actor's handprint is imprinted in concrete.

USAGE (sense 1):
手形(てがた) is a negotiable instrument common in Japanese business, promising payment at a future date.

Types

Common expressions

CULTURAL NOTE (dishonored notes):
Two 不渡(ふわた)り (dishonored notes) within 6 months leads to 銀行(ぎんこう)取引(とりひき)停止(ていし) (bank transaction suspension), effectively meaning bankruptcy.

USAGE (sense 2, handprint):
手形(てがた) also means a handprint, commonly seen as:

Related words

Related Words

Related: 小切手(こぎって)
Related: 現金(げんきん) (Cash)
Related: 振込(ふりこみ) (Bank transfer)
general
Added 2026.1.17 17:53 · Revised 2026.10.11 9:19
06000/06304_tegata