To maintain or groom something to keep it in its best state.
Word in 30 Seconds
- To perform maintenance on objects to keep them in good condition.
- Used for grooming, gardening, and technical upkeep of tools.
- Implies active care to prevent deterioration or improve appearance.
Overview
- 1概要：「手入れする」は、ある対象が本来持っている機能や美しさを長く保つために、継続的に働きかけることを意味します。単なる掃除だけでなく、成長を促すための剪定や、機能維持のための調整など、能動的なケアが含まれます。
- 1使用パターン：主に「名詞＋を＋手入れする」という形で使われます。対象は物理的な物（道具、車、靴）から、生き物（庭の植物、ペット）、さらには抽象的なもの（肌、髪）まで非常に幅広いです。否定形では「手入れが行き届いていない」のように、状態の良し悪しを評価する際にも頻繁に用いられます。
- 1一般的な文脈：日常生活では「庭の手入れ」「革靴の手入れ」などが最も一般的です。また、美容の文脈では「肌の手入れ（スキンケア）」や「髪の手入れ（ヘアケア）」として使われます。ビジネスや専門的な場では、機械の点検やメンテナンスという意味で使われることもあります。
- 1類語との比較：「掃除する」は汚れを取り除くことに焦点がありますが、「手入れする」は状態を維持・向上させるというニュアンスが強いです。「修理する」は壊れたものを直すことですが、「手入れする」は壊れる前に行う予防的な行為も含みます。
Examples
週末に庭の手入れをするのが趣味です。
everydayIt is my hobby to maintain the garden on weekends.
この機械は定期的な手入れが必要です。
formalThis machine requires regular maintenance.
ちゃんと手入れしてないと、すぐダメになるよ。
informalIf you don't take care of it properly, it'll break right away.
文化的遺産の適切な手入れが求められている。
academicProper maintenance of cultural heritage is required.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
手入れ不足
Lack of maintenance
念入りな手入れ
Thorough maintenance
手入れが楽
Easy to maintain
Often Confused With
Shuri focuses on fixing something that is already broken. Teire focuses on maintaining something to prevent it from breaking.
Souji focuses on removing dirt or trash. Teire is a broader term that includes cleaning but also implies adjusting or improving the state of an object.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
Teire is a versatile word used in both casual and formal settings. It is often used with objects that require periodic attention to function well. Avoid using it for people in a caregiving sense, as it sounds dehumanizing.
Common Mistakes
Learners often use 'souji' for everything. Remember that if you are not just cleaning but also adjusting or nurturing something, 'teire' is the better choice. Also, do not use it for fixing broken electronics; 'shuri' is better there.
Tips
Think of it as preventive maintenance
Use this word when the focus is on keeping something functional or beautiful over time. It is about the process of care, not just a one-time fix.
Don't use for people's daily lives
Avoid using 'teire' for taking care of children or elderly people. Use 'sewa o suru' (to look after) instead.
The importance of craft maintenance
Japanese culture places high value on 'teire' for tools and gardens, reflecting a respect for objects. Proper maintenance is seen as a sign of maturity.
Word Origin
Te (hand) + Ire (to put in/to add). It implies the act of putting one's hands on something to manage it.
Cultural Context
In Japan, the concept of 'teire' is closely linked to the appreciation of craftsmanship. Tools, bonsai, and even traditional houses are expected to be maintained with care, showing respect for the item's longevity.
Memory Tip
Think of 'Hand (Te) + Insert/Enter (Ire)'. You are 'putting your hands into' the object to keep it working well.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions掃除は汚れを取る行為ですが、手入れは状態を維持するためのメンテナンス全般を指します。例えば、庭を掃くのは掃除、植物を剪定して形を整えるのは手入れです。
スキンケアのことを指します。洗顔や保湿など、肌の健康や美しさを保つための行為を指す一般的な表現です。
身体のケア（肌や髪）には使いますが、人間そのものの世話をする場合にはあまり使いません。その場合は「世話をする」や「ケアする」が適切です。
はい、「手入れが全くされていない庭」のように、放置されている状態を批判する際にもよく使われます。
Test Yourself
週末は庭の___をして、花を綺麗に咲かせたい。
庭の植物を育てる行為には「手入れ」が最適です。
次のうち、最も自然な表現はどれですか？
車のメンテナンスには「手入れ」を使うのが自然です。
大切に / 道具を / 手入れして / 使う
目的語を先に置き、動詞を繋げるのが自然な語順です。
Score: /3
Summary
To maintain or groom something to keep it in its best state.
- To perform maintenance on objects to keep them in good condition.
- Used for grooming, gardening, and technical upkeep of tools.
- Implies active care to prevent deterioration or improve appearance.
Think of it as preventive maintenance
Use this word when the focus is on keeping something functional or beautiful over time. It is about the process of care, not just a one-time fix.
Don't use for people's daily lives
Avoid using 'teire' for taking care of children or elderly people. Use 'sewa o suru' (to look after) instead.
The importance of craft maintenance
Japanese culture places high value on 'teire' for tools and gardens, reflecting a respect for objects. Proper maintenance is seen as a sign of maturity.
Examples
4 of 4週末に庭の手入れをするのが趣味です。
It is my hobby to maintain the garden on weekends.
この機械は定期的な手入れが必要です。
This machine requires regular maintenance.
ちゃんと手入れしてないと、すぐダメになるよ。
If you don't take care of it properly, it'll break right away.
文化的遺産の適切な手入れが求められている。
Proper maintenance of cultural heritage is required.
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
Related Vocabulary
More home words
上に
B1Above; on top of.
不在
B1Absent; not present. Not in a particular place.
手頃な
B1Affordable, reasonable (price).
お先に
B1Excuse me for going first; said when leaving before others.
仲介
B1Mediation, agency (e.g., real estate).
あっ
B1Ah!; an exclamation of sudden realization or surprise.
エアコン
A2air conditioner
冷暖房
B1Air conditioning and heating system.
風通しの良い
B1Well-ventilated; airy.
～可
A2Suffix meaning "permitted" or "allowed".
