手(て)を打(う)つ

てをうつ
expression, verb phrase
to take measures; to strike a deal; to clap hands
expressionaction
1. to take measures; to take action; to do something about
To take steps or countermeasures to address a problem or situation.
早(はや)めに手(て)を打(う)った。
I took early action.
被害(ひがい)が広(ひろ)がる前(まえ)に手(て)を打(う)たなければならない。
We must take measures before the damage spreads.
何(なん)らかの手(て)を打(う)たないと、状況(じょうきょう)はさらに悪化(あっか)するだろう。
If we don't take some kind of action, the situation will only get worse.
2. to strike a deal; to reach an agreement; to settle
To come to terms or reach a mutually acceptable agreement, often in negotiations.
この条件(じょうけん)で手(て)を打(う)とう。
Let's strike a deal on these terms.
この辺(へん)りで手(て)を打(う)ちませんか。
Shall we settle around here?
双方(そうほう)が譲歩(じょうほ)して、ようやく手(て)を打(う)つことができた。
Both sides made concessions, and they were finally able to reach an agreement.
3. to clap hands (together)
The literal meaning - to clap one's hands, as in applause or to get attention.
手(て)を打(う)って喜(よろこ)んだ。
I clapped my hands with joy.
観客(かんきゃく)は手(て)を打(う)って盛(も)り上(あ)がった。
The audience clapped their hands with excitement.
子供(こども)たちが手(て)を打(う)ちながら歌(うた)っていた。
The children were singing while clapping their hands.

Idiom structure

手(て) (hand) + を + 打(う)つ (to strike/hit)

Multiple meanings

This expression has distinct meanings based on context:

1. TAKE MEASURES:

2. STRIKE A DEAL:
Originates from the custom of clapping hands together to seal an agreement.

3. CLAP HANDS (literal):

  • 手(て)を打(う)って喜(よろこ)ぶ - to clap hands in joy
  • 三三七拍子(さんさんななびょうし)で手(て)を打(う)つ - to clap in 3-3-7 rhythm

Common collocations

Register

Neutral. Common in business and everyday contexts.

Related Words

Compare: 打つ手 (move one can make)
general
Added 2026.1.19 22:50 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:01
07000/07450_tewoutsu