1.
hand (of cards); cards in one's hand
The cards a player is currently holding during a card game or trading card game. Also used figuratively for the options or resources one has available.
手札からカードを一枚出した。
I played one card from my hand.
手札が少なくなってきて焦った。
My hand was getting smaller and I started to panic.
交渉で使える手札はもう残っていない。
I have no more cards to play in the negotiations.
USAGE:
Commonly used in card games, trading card games, and board games. The figurative use — meaning the options or resources at one's disposal — is also common in business and political contexts, similar to English "cards to play" or "options on the table."
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 手札を切る (to play a card; to use an option)
- 手札を補充する (to draw cards to replenish one's hand)
- 手札が尽きる (to run out of cards/options)
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 持ち札: cards in hand — similar meaning; also used figuratively for one's repertoire or resources
- 切り札: trump card — a decisive card or advantage held in reserve