手下(てした)

てした
noun
subordinate, henchman, underling
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:

  • 手下(てした)を従(したが)える: to have underlings in tow
  • 手下(てした)を使(つか)う: to use one's henchmen
  • ～の手下(てした): someone's underling

SIMILAR WORDS:

  • 部下(ぶか): subordinate (neutral, workplace)
  • 子分(こぶん): follower, henchman (boss-follower relationship)
  • 配下(はいか): under one's command (formal/military)
general
Added 2026.2.23 8:05
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