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.
大きな手柄を立てた。
He achieved a great feat.
犯人を捕まえたのは彼の手柄だ。
The credit for catching the criminal goes to him.
部下の手柄を自分のものにする上司は信頼されない。
A boss who takes credit for a subordinate's achievements won't be trusted.
KANJI:
手 (hand) + 柄 (pattern/character). The word originally referred to a warrior's achievements in battle.
USAGE:
手柄を立てる (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:
- 手柄を立てる: to perform a feat, to distinguish oneself
- 手柄を横取りする: to steal someone's credit
- 大きな手柄: a great achievement
- 手柄話: a story of one's exploits