扱(あつか)い方(かた)

A versatile compound noun that can refer to handling physical objects (tools, machines), managing data or information, or treating people. Formed with the productive pattern of verb stem + 方(かた) (way of doing).

Common collocations

• 扱(あつか)い方(かた)がうまい: to be good at handling
• 扱(あつか)い方(かた)を間違(まちが)える: to mishandle
• 扱(あつか)い方(かた)を知(し)る: to know how to handle
• 扱(あつか)い方(かた)が荒(あら)い: to handle roughly
• 扱(あつか)い方(かた)に困(こま)る: to be at a loss for how to deal with

Similar words

• 使(つか)い方(かた): how to use — specifically about operating or using something
• 対処法(たいしょほう): coping method — focuses on dealing with problems or difficult situations
• 取(と)り扱(あつか)い: handling, treatment — a more formal synonym, often used in instructions and manuals

Etymology

Composed of 扱(あつか)い (handling, from the verb 扱(あつか)う) + 方(かた) (way, method).