手(て)ぶら

てぶら
noun, no-adjective
empty-handed
daily-life
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(て)ぶらで来(き)てください。
Please come empty-handed.
A common polite phrase telling guests not to bring gifts.
手(て)ぶらで行(い)くのは失礼(しつれい)だと思(おも)った。
I thought it would be rude to go empty-handed.
キャンプ場(じょう)では手(て)ぶらでバーベキューが楽(たの)しめるプランがある。
The campground has a plan where you can enjoy barbecue without bringing anything.
手(て)ぶらで is commonly used in advertising for services that provide everything.

手(て)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(て)土産(みやげ)) when visiting is expected.

Common patterns

  • 手(て)ぶらで来(く)る: to come empty-handed
  • 手(て)ぶらで行(い)く: to go without bringing anything
  • 手(て)ぶらで帰(かえ)る: to go back empty-handed (without achieving anything)
  • 手(て)ぶらでOK: no need to bring anything (casual/advertising)

Note: In recent years, 手(て)ぶら is increasingly used in marketing phrases like 手(て)ぶらキャンプ (camping with all equipment provided) and 手(て)ぶらバーベキュー (BBQ with everything supplied).

Related Words

Compare: 徒手(としゅ) (bare-handed)
general
Added 2026.2.22 19:02 · Revised 2026.9.4 21:29
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