1.
empty-handed, without bringing anything
Not carrying or bringing anything, especially when visiting someone or attending an event where bringing something (a gift, supplies, etc.) would be expected.
手ぶらで来てください。
Please come empty-handed.
A common polite phrase telling guests not to bring gifts.
手ぶらで行くのは失礼だと思った。
I thought it would be rude to go empty-handed.
キャンプ場では手ぶらでバーベキューが楽しめるプランがある。
The campground has a plan where you can enjoy barbecue without bringing anything.
手ぶらで is commonly used in advertising for services that provide everything.
手ぶら means being empty-handed — not carrying anything or not bringing anything along. It often carries cultural significance in Japanese social contexts, where bringing a gift (手土産) when visiting is expected.
COMMON PATTERNS:
- 手ぶらで来る: to come empty-handed
- 手ぶらで行く: to go without bringing anything
- 手ぶらで帰る: to go back empty-handed (without achieving anything)
- 手ぶらでOK: no need to bring anything (casual/advertising)
NOTE: In recent years, 手ぶら is increasingly used in marketing phrases like 手ぶらキャンプ (camping with all equipment provided) and 手ぶらバーベキュー (BBQ with everything supplied).