手下(てした)

てした
noun
subordinate, henchman, underling
person
1. subordinate, henchman, underling
A person who serves under and follows the orders of someone more powerful. Often implies a boss-subordinate relationship in criminal or villainous contexts.
彼(かれ)はボスの手下(てした)だ。
He is the boss's henchman.
手下(てした)を使(つか)って汚(きたな)い仕事(しごと)をさせた。
He used his underlings to do the dirty work.
海賊(かいぞく)の船長(せんちょう)は大勢(おおぜい)の手下(てした)を従(したが)えて島(しま)に上陸(じょうりく)した。
The pirate captain landed on the island with a large number of henchmen in tow.

Usage

Carries a negative or dramatic connotation. Unlike neutral words for subordinates like 部下(ぶか) (subordinate in a workplace), 手下(てした) implies a hierarchical relationship based on personal loyalty or fear, often in criminal, historical, or fictional contexts. Common in stories, movies, and manga.

Common collocations

Similar words

Related Words

Synonym: 部下(ぶか) (subordinate (neutral))
Synonym: 子分(こぶん) (follower, henchman)
Synonym: 手先(てさき) (agent, pawn)
Compare: 配下(はいか) (under one's command)
general
Added 2026.2.23 8:05 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:01
12500/12940_teshita