手柄(てがら)

てがら
noun
achievement, feat, credit
1. achievement, feat, distinguished service, credit
A notable accomplishment or meritorious deed worthy of recognition. Often used when someone deserves credit for a successful outcome.
大(おお)きな手柄(てがら)を立(た)てた。
He achieved a great feat.
犯人(はんにん)を捕(つか)まえたのは彼(かれ)の手柄(てがら)だ。
The credit for catching the criminal goes to him.
部下(ぶか)の手柄(てがら)を自分(じぶん)のものにする上司(じょうし)は信頼(しんらい)されない。
A boss who takes credit for a subordinate's achievements won't be trusted.

Writing

手(て) (hand) + 柄(がら) (pattern/character). The word originally referred to a warrior's achievements in battle.

Usage

手柄(てがら)を立(た)てる (to achieve a feat) is the most common collocation. The word often appears in discussions about credit and recognition — who deserves praise for a result.

Common collocations

general
Added 2026.2.8 13:51 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:01
10500/10562_tegara