()(つな)

てをつなぐ
expression
to hold hands
body-partsociety
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(ふたり)()(つな)いだ。
The two of them held hands.
(みち)(わた)とき、()ども()(つな)ぐ。
I hold my child's hand when crossing the street.
I like walking through the park holding hands with my partner.

A common everyday expression. The verb (つな) means 'to connect' or 'to tie,' so the literal image is of connecting hands together.

Common collocations

  • ()(つな)いで(ある): to walk hand in hand
  • ()(つな)()う: to hold each other's hands (mutual)
  • しっかり()(つな)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 words