1.
major company, leading firm, large corporation
A large, well-established company that is a leader in its industry. Used as both a noun and as a modifier before other nouns.
大手企業に就職する。
To get a job at a major company.
大手メーカーが新商品を発表した。
A major manufacturer announced a new product.
大手コンビニチェーンが出店したことで、地元の商店が苦戦している。
Local shops are struggling because a major convenience store chain opened a branch.
2.
main gate, front gate (of a castle)
The main entrance of a castle or fortress. A historical/architectural term.
城の大手門をくぐる。
To pass through the castle's main gate.
大手門の前に堀が巡らされていた。
A moat was built around the front of the main gate.
大手門から天守閣までの道を歩いて見学した。
We walked from the main gate to the castle keep on the tour.
USAGE:
Sense 1 is far more common in modern usage. 大手 is often used as a modifier: 大手企業 (major company), 大手銀行 (major bank), 大手メーカー (major manufacturer). It can also stand alone as a noun meaning "a major player/company."
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 大手企業: major company
- 大手銀行: major bank
- 大手メーカー: major manufacturer
- 大手門: castle main gate (sense 2)