1.
to hold hands; to join hands
To clasp hands with another person, typically as a sign of affection, connection, or safety (as with a child).
二人は手を繋いだ。
The two of them held hands.
道を渡るとき、子どもと手を繋ぐ。
I hold my child's hand when crossing the street.
恋人と手を繋いで公園を散歩するのが好きだ。
I like walking through the park holding hands with my partner.
A common everyday expression. The verb 繋ぐ means 'to connect' or 'to tie,' so the literal image is of connecting hands together.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 手を繋いで歩く: to walk hand in hand
- 手を繋ぎ合う: to hold each other's hands (mutual)
- しっかり手を繋ぐ: to hold hands tightly
USAGE:
Used both for romantic couples and for parents with children. In Japanese culture, holding hands in public as a couple is common but more restrained than in many Western countries.
SIMILAR EXPRESSIONS:
- 手を握る: to grip/squeeze someone's hand — implies a stronger grip; can express urgency, encouragement, or intense emotion
- 腕を組む: to link arms — a different form of physical closeness while walking together