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手入れする

B1 verb #4,000 most common 8 min read

手入れする

teire suru Top 4,000

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 手入れする in 30 Seconds

Explanation 手入れする in your Level:

At the A1 level, you should focus on the most basic meaning of 'teire suru': taking care of things you own. Imagine you have a small plant or a favorite pair of shoes. To keep them looking good, you need to 'teire suru.' You can think of it as 'cleaning plus.' It's not just about removing dirt, but about making something look nice. Use it with simple nouns like 'niwa' (garden) or 'kutsu' (shoes). Even at this level, remembering that 'te' means hand helps you visualize the action. You are using your hands to fix or clean something. Don't worry about the police raid meaning or the metaphorical uses yet. Just use it for physical objects that you like and want to keep in good condition. For example, 'Niwa no teire o shimasu' (I will take care of the garden). It's a very useful word for talking about your hobbies or weekend chores.

At the A2 level, you can start using 'teire suru' to describe your daily routines and habits. You might talk about 'hada no teire' (skincare) or 'kami no teire' (hair care). At this stage, you should distinguish it from 'sōji' (cleaning). While 'sōji' is for rooms and floors, 'teire' is for specific items that need attention to stay functional or beautiful. You can also use the noun form 'teire' with the particle 'no' to describe things, like 'teire ga taihen' (maintenance is difficult). This is common when talking about owning a house or a large pet (though for pets, 'sewa' is more common, 'teire' might be used for grooming their fur). You are beginning to see how 'teire' implies a sense of regular effort. It's a great word to use when explaining why you are busy on the weekends: 'Kono shūmatsu wa kuruma no teire o shinakereba narimasen' (I have to maintain my car this weekend).

At the B1 level, you should be comfortable using 'teire suru' in a variety of contexts, including its passive form 'teire sareru' and the potential form 'teire dekiru.' You should understand the nuance that 'teire' is preventative maintenance, whereas 'shūri' is for when things are already broken. You can use phrases like 'teire ga yukitodoite iru' to describe a place that is exceptionally well-kept. This level also involves understanding the cultural weight of the word; in Japan, keeping things well-maintained is a sign of a responsible adult. You might encounter this word in product manuals or beauty blogs. You should also be able to distinguish 'teire' from technical words like 'seibi' (servicing a car) or 'mentenansu' (IT maintenance). Use 'teire' for more personal or artisanal items. It's also a good time to learn the compound 'teire-busoku' (lack of maintenance), which is a common reason for problems.

At the B2 level, you can use 'teire suru' more flexibly and understand its role in professional or semi-professional contexts. For instance, in a business setting, you might discuss the 'teire' of office equipment or the 'teire' of a company's public image (though 'iji' or 'kanri' might be more common for the latter). You should be aware of the 'police raid' meaning, as it appears in news reports and crime novels. You can also use it to describe the meticulous work of craftsmen, where 'teire' becomes a form of art. At this level, you should be able to explain the difference between 'teire' and similar verbs like 'hosyu' (preservation/maintenance) in a technical sense. You might use 'teire' in a more abstract way to talk about 'maintaining' a skill or a garden-like project. Your vocabulary should include idiomatic expressions or common collocations like 'mame ni teire suru' (to maintain diligently).

At the C1 level, you should appreciate the aesthetic and philosophical nuances of 'teire suru.' In Japanese aesthetics, the act of 'teire' is linked to the concept of 'nurturing' an object over time, allowing it to age gracefully (like 'wabi-sabi'). You might use the word when discussing traditional arts like Bonsai or tea ceremonies, where the maintenance of the tools is as important as the art itself. You should be able to use 'teire' in sophisticated writing to describe the care needed for complex systems or historical archives. Your understanding of the word should extend to its social implications—how 'teire' reflects the 'kokorogamae' (attitude) of the person doing it. You can differentiate between 'teire' and 'shūfuku' (restoration of art/buildings). You should also be able to handle the word in legal or journalistic contexts where it refers to law enforcement actions without any confusion.

At the C2 level, you have a native-like grasp of 'teire suru,' including its most subtle metaphorical applications. You can use it to discuss the 'maintenance' of a linguistic heritage, a political system, or a delicate social balance. You understand the historical evolution of the word and how its meaning has shifted from purely physical manual labor to a broader concept of 'stewardship.' You can use it in literary analysis to discuss how a character's neglect of 'teire' in their home reflects their mental state. You are comfortable with all registers, from the casual 'teire-shite-naku-cha' to the highly formal 'teire o okotaru' (to neglect maintenance). You can also engage in nuanced debates about the difference between 'teire' and 'kanri' (management/control), noting that 'teire' always retains a sense of personal, physical touch and affection for the object, which 'kanri' lacks.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

手入れする in 30 Seconds

Teire suru means 'to maintain' or 'to care for' objects, gardens, or personal grooming like skin and hair.
It combines 'te' (hand) and 'ire' (put in), suggesting hands-on effort to keep things in top shape.
It is different from 'sewa' (caring for people/pets) and 'shūri' (repairing something already broken).
A secondary, less common meaning in news/crime contexts refers to a police raid or crackdown.

The Japanese verb 手入れする (teire suru) is a multifaceted term that translates most commonly to 'to maintain,' 'to care for,' or 'to groom.' At its linguistic core, it is a compound of te (hand) and ire (the stem of ireru, meaning to put in or apply). Literally, it signifies the act of 'putting one's hands into' something. This imagery is crucial for understanding its nuance: it isn't just about passive care, but about active, manual intervention to keep something in its optimal state. Whether you are pruning a bonsai tree, polishing a leather bag, or following a multi-step skincare routine, you are performing teire. It implies a sense of responsibility and the regular effort required to prevent deterioration or to enhance beauty and functionality.

Physical Objects: Used for tools, machinery, gardens, and clothing. If you have a high-quality knife, you must sharpen it; that is teire.
Personal Grooming: Frequently used in the context of hada no teire (skin care) or kami no teire (hair care). It suggests a disciplined routine.
Metaphorical Use: Occasionally used for organizations or systems that need 'polishing' or adjustment to stay efficient.

週末は庭の手入れをする予定です。(Shūmatsu wa niwa no teire o suru yotei desu.) - I plan to take care of the garden this weekend.

In Japanese culture, the longevity of an object is often seen as a reflection of the owner's character. Neglecting teire is seen as a lack of discipline. This is why you will hear this word in hobbyist circles—whether it's car enthusiasts, gardeners, or watch collectors. The word carries a positive connotation of dedication and respect for the things one owns. It differs from shūri (repair) because teire is often preventative, whereas shūri happens after something has already broken.

この靴はしっかり手入れすれば、一生使えます。(Kono kutsu wa shikkari teire sureba, isshō tsukaemasu.) - If you maintain these shoes well, they can last a lifetime.

Furthermore, teire can also refer to a police raid in a very specific slang/legal context, though this is much less common in daily conversation for learners. In most cases, if you hear a neighbor talking about teire, they are likely talking about their roses or their facial moisturizer. The word bridges the gap between 'chores' and 'craftsmanship,' elevating mundane maintenance to an act of preservation.

Using 手入れする correctly requires understanding its grammatical structure. As a suru-verb, it is highly versatile. You can use the noun form teire with the particle o (手入れをする) or combine them into the verb teire-suru. Generally, the noun version is slightly more common in formal writing, while the verb form is ubiquitous in speech.

The Object Particle: The item being maintained is marked with の (no) when using the noun form (e.g., niwa no teire) or を (o) when using the verb form (e.g., niwa o teire-suru).

毎日、肌の手入れをすることが大切です。(Mainichi, hada no teire o suru koto ga taisetsu desu.) - It is important to take care of your skin every day.

When discussing frequency, words like mame ni (diligent/frequent) or teinei ni (carefully) often accompany teire suru. For example, mame ni teire suru means to maintain something frequently and meticulously. This is a high-praise descriptor for someone who looks after their belongings well.

父は古いカメラを手入れしています。(Chichi wa furui kamera o teire shite imasu.) - My father is maintaining/cleaning his old camera.

In a professional setting, a technician might say teire ga yukitodoite iru, meaning the maintenance is thorough and widespread. Conversely, teire busoku (lack of maintenance) is a common noun phrase used to explain why a machine broke down or why a garden looks overgrown. If you are at a job interview and want to describe your work ethic, mentioning that you teinei ni teire suru your tools can show a high level of professionalism.

Passive Form: Used when the object is the focus: 'Kono niwa wa yoku teire sarete iru' (This garden is well-maintained).

この家は手入れが行き届いていますね。(Kono ie wa teire ga yukitodoite imasu ne.) - This house is very well-maintained, isn't it?

You will encounter 手入れする in a variety of real-world scenarios in Japan. One of the most common places is in beauty and lifestyle magazines. Articles titled 'Autumn Skincare' or 'How to Maintain Your Leather Boots' will almost certainly use teire in the headline. In these contexts, it sounds sophisticated and suggests a lifestyle of quality and care.

In the Garden: If you visit a Japanese temple or a traditional garden, you might see workers pruning trees. They are performing niwa no teire. It is a respected profession.
At the Barber or Salon: Stylists will often ask how you teire your hair at home. They might give you tips on teire no shikata (how to maintain it).

プロの手入れはやはり違いますね。(Puro no teire wa yahari chigaimasu ne.) - Professional maintenance really is different, isn't it?

Another surprising place you might hear it is in police dramas or the news. While the primary meaning is maintenance, teire is also a jargon term for a 'raid' or 'crackdown' by authorities. For example, tobaku-jō ni teire ga hairu means 'a gambling den was raided.' This usage stems from the idea of 'cleaning up' or 'straightening out' a situation. However, as a learner at the B1 level, you should focus on the 'care/maintenance' meaning unless you are watching a detective show.

警察の手入れがあったそうです。(Keisatsu no teire ga atta sō desu.) - I heard there was a police raid.

In daily life, you'll hear it among friends when discussing hobbies. Someone might say, 'I spent the whole Sunday teire-shiteita my bike.' It conveys a sense of productive, meditative time spent with one's favorite objects. It's a word that bridges the gap between work and leisure, showing that caring for things is a valuable activity in itself.

One of the most frequent mistakes English speakers make is confusing 手入れする with sewa o suru (to take care of). While both translate to 'take care of' in English, their usage is strictly divided. Sewa is used for living beings that require nurturing, like children, elderly people, or pets. Teire is used for objects, plants, or parts of the body that require physical maintenance. You wouldn't 'teire' a baby, and you generally wouldn't 'sewa' a car engine.

Teire vs. Shūri: Shūri is 'repair.' You use it when something is broken. Teire is 'maintenance.' You do it to keep things from breaking or to keep them looking good.

❌ 赤ちゃんの手入れをする (Incorrect for 'taking care of a baby').
✅ 赤ちゃんの世話をする (Correct).

Another mistake is using teire suru for simple cleaning like vacuuming a floor. For general cleaning, sōji suru is the correct term. Teire implies a level of detail beyond just removing dirt; it involves preserving the quality or function of the item. For example, you sōji (clean) a room, but you teire (maintain) a delicate wooden floor by waxing it.

❌ 部屋を手入れする (Sounds like you are doing structural maintenance).
✅ 部屋を掃除する (Correct for 'cleaning a room').

Finally, avoid using teire suru for interpersonal relationships. While in English we might say 'maintain a friendship,' in Japanese, you would use kankei o iji suru (maintain a relationship) or tsukiai o taisetsu ni suru (cherish the association). Using teire for a friend makes it sound like you are treating them like a garden tool or a houseplant, which can come across as cold or mechanical.

Understanding the synonyms for 手入れする helps you choose the right level of formality and the specific nuance you want to convey. While teire is the most versatile daily term, other words offer more precision in technical or formal contexts.

維持する (Iji suru): Meaning 'to maintain' or 'to preserve.' This is more abstract and formal. You iji your health, a status quo, or a high standard. It doesn't imply the 'manual' work that teire does.
メンテナンス (Mentenansu): The loanword for 'maintenance.' It is used almost exclusively for machinery, computers, and infrastructure. It sounds more technical than teire.
整備する (Seibi suru): Meaning 'to service' or 'to put in good order.' This is the standard word for car maintenance or preparing equipment for use. A seibi-shi is a mechanic.

車の整備をプロに任せる。(Kuruma no seibi o puro ni makaseru.) - Leave the car servicing to a professional.

Comparing teire and kea (care): Kea is often used in the context of health and beauty (skincare, hair care), similar to teire. However, kea can also apply to emotional support (mental care), which teire cannot. For plants, you can use both, but teire sounds like you are actively pruning and shaping, while kea sounds like you are making sure it has enough water and light.

健康を維持するために、毎日歩いています。(Kenkō o iji suru tame ni, mainichi aruite imasu.) - I walk every day to maintain my health.

In summary, use teire suru for your garden, your skin, your tools, and your hobbies. Use seibi for your car, iji for your health, and mentenansu for your computer server. Choosing the right word shows you understand not just the action, but the nature of the object you are caring for.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The 'police raid' meaning evolved because a raid was seen as the authorities 'putting their hands in' to clean up a messy or illegal situation.

Pronunciation Guide

UK te.i.re su.ru

US teɪ.i.reɪ su.ru

The pitch accent is typically 'te-I-RE' (Low-High-High) for the noun 'teire', followed by the neutral 'suru'.

Rhymes With

Meire (Command) Seire (Spirit) Heire (Parallel - rare) Keire (Respect - rare) Deire (Coming and going) Kire (Cut) Shire (Know) Nure (Get wet)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 're' like the English 'ray' with a heavy 'r'. It should be a light tap.
Confusing the 'i' sound with 'ai'. It is 'te-i-re', not 'tai-re'.
Over-stressing the 'su' in 'suru'. In fast speech, the 'u' is often devoiced.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

The kanji 手 and 入 are very basic, but the combination 'te-ire' needs to be learned as a set.

Writing 2/5

Both kanji are taught in the first year of elementary school.

Speaking 3/5

Easy to pronounce, but requires distinguishing from 'sewa' and 'sōji'.

Listening 3/5

Common in many contexts, must listen for the object to understand the nuance.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

手 (Hand) 入れる (To put in) する (To do) 庭 (Garden) 靴 (Shoes)

Learn Next

修理する (To repair) 世話をする (To take care of life) 掃除する (To clean) 維持する (To maintain status)

Advanced

保守 (Maintenance/Preservation) 整備 (Servicing) 修繕 (Mending) 丹精込める (To pour one's heart into)

Grammar to Know

Suru-verbs

手入れする (To maintain), 勉強する (To study).

Noun + no + Noun

庭の手入れ (Maintenance of the garden).

Potential Form (Sureba)

手入れすれば、長く使えます。(If you maintain it, it lasts long.)

Passive Form (Sareru)

この家はよく手入れされている。(This house is well-maintained.)

Adverbial usage (Mame ni)

こまめに手入れする。(To maintain diligently.)

Examples by Level

にわの手入れをします。

I will take care of the garden.

Simple object + no + teire + o shimasu.

くつの手入れをしました。

I cleaned/maintained my shoes.

Past tense of suru.

このはなは手入れがかんたんです。

This flower is easy to take care of.

Teire as a noun subject.

毎日、手入れをしてください。

Please take care of it every day.

Teire o shite kudasai (polite request).

手入れをしないと、だめになります。

If you don't take care of it, it will go bad.

Teire o shinai (negative form).

お父さんは車の手入れが好きです。

My father likes taking care of the car.

Noun + ga suki desu.

新しいカメラを手入れします。

I will maintain my new camera.

Verb form teire-shimasu.

手入れのやり方を教えてください。

Please teach me how to do the maintenance.

Teire no yarikata (way of doing).

週末はだいたい庭の手入れをして過ごします。

I usually spend my weekends taking care of the garden.

Using 'teire o shite' to describe an ongoing activity.

肌の手入れに時間がかかります。

It takes time to take care of my skin.

Teire ni jikan ga kakaru.

このかばんは手入れすれば長く使えます。

If you maintain this bag, you can use it for a long time.

Conditional form 'sureba'.

手入れが大変な植物は買いたくないです。

I don't want to buy plants that are hard to maintain.

Teire ga taihen na (adjective phrase).

髪の手入れをきちんとしています。

I take proper care of my hair.

Kichinto (properly) + teire o shite iru.

道具の手入れを忘れないでください。

Please don't forget to maintain the tools.

Teire o wasurenaide.

古い時計を自分で手入れしてみました。

I tried maintaining the old watch by myself.

Teire shite mimashita (tried doing).

この公園は手入れがとてもきれいです。

The maintenance of this park is very beautiful.

Teire as a noun representing the result.

この包丁は、こまめに手入れしないとすぐ錆びてしまいます。

If you don't maintain this knife frequently, it will rust quickly.

Mame ni (diligently) + teire shinai to.

冬の間は、特に肌の手入れに気をつけています。

During winter, I am especially careful about my skincare.

Teire ni ki o tsukeru.

手入れが行き届いた庭は、見ていて気持ちがいいです。

A well-maintained garden is pleasant to look at.

Teire ga yukitodoita (well-maintained).

機械の手入れを怠ると、大きな事故につながります。

Neglecting machine maintenance leads to serious accidents.

Teire o okotaru (to neglect).

革製品は手入れ次第で一生ものになります。

Leather products can last a lifetime depending on the maintenance.

Teire-shidai (depending on maintenance).

プロの手に任せて、ピアノの手入れをしてもらった。

I left it to a professional to have my piano maintained.

Teire o shite moratta (causative/benefactive).

毎日のちょっとした手入れが、長持ちの秘訣です。

A little bit of daily maintenance is the secret to longevity.

Chottoshita teire (minor maintenance).

この家は築50年だが、手入れがいいので新しく見える。

This house is 50 years old, but it looks new because it's well-maintained.

Teire ga ii (well-maintained).

定期的な手入れを欠かさないことが、アンティーク家具の価値を保つコツだ。

Not skipping regular maintenance is the key to preserving the value of antique furniture.

Teire o kakasanai (to not miss maintenance).

その盆栽は、何十年もの間、丁寧な手入れが繰り返されてきた。

That bonsai has been meticulously maintained over many decades.

Teire ga kurikaesarete kita (passive progressive).

警察が違法カジノに手入れに入ったというニュースが流れた。

News spread that the police had raided an illegal casino.

Teire ni hairu (to conduct a raid).

彼女は自分の持ち物の手入れに余念がない。

She is completely devoted to maintaining her belongings.

Teire ni yonen ga nai (to be fully absorbed in).

手入れ不足のせいで、せっかくのバラが枯れてしまった。

Because of a lack of maintenance, the roses I worked hard for have withered.

Teire-busoku (insufficient maintenance).

このシステムは、常に最新の状態に手入れしておく必要がある。

This system needs to be kept maintained in its latest state.

Teire shite oku (to do in advance/keep in a state).

職人は自分の道具の手入れを人任せにしない。

A craftsman does not leave the maintenance of his tools to others.

Hito-makase ni shinai (not leaving to others).

適切な手入れを施すことで、古いエンジンが再び息を吹き返した。

By applying proper maintenance, the old engine came back to life.

Teire o hodokosu (to apply maintenance).

文化財の保存には、専門家による細心の手入れが不可欠である。

Meticulous maintenance by experts is essential for the preservation of cultural properties.

Saishin no teire (meticulous care).

庭園の美しさは、職人の手入れの積み重ねによって形作られている。

The beauty of the garden is shaped by the accumulation of the craftsmen's maintenance.

Teire no tsumikasane (accumulation of care).

彼は人間関係の手入れを怠ったため、孤立してしまった。

Because he neglected to 'maintain' his human relationships, he became isolated.

Metaphorical use for relationships.

長年手入れされてきた森は、豊かな生態系を維持している。

Forests that have been maintained for many years sustain a rich ecosystem.

Passive modifier: teire sarete kita mori.

その組織は内部の手入れが必要な時期に来ている。

That organization has reached a point where internal 'maintenance' (reform) is necessary.

Metaphorical use for organizational reform.

言葉の手入れを怠ると、表現は次第に陳腐化していく。

If one neglects to 'maintain' their language, their expressions gradually become cliché.

Metaphorical use for linguistic skill.

手入れの行き届かない空き家が社会問題となっている。

Abandoned houses with no maintenance are becoming a social problem.

Teire no yukitodokanai (ill-maintained).

万全の手入れを期すために、点検項目を増やした。

To ensure perfect maintenance, we increased the inspection items.

Banzen no teire (perfect/thorough maintenance).

伝統の継承とは、単なる保存ではなく、時代に合わせた不断の手入れのプロセスである。

The succession of tradition is not mere preservation, but a process of constant maintenance adapted to the times.

Fudan no teire (constant maintenance).

この建築物は、百年の風雪に耐えうるよう、構造から手入れまで計算し尽くされている。

This building has been fully calculated from its structure to its maintenance to withstand a hundred years of wind and snow.

Keisan shitsukusarete iru (thoroughly calculated).

精神の手入れを欠かさないことが、激動の時代を生き抜く知恵となる。

Not neglecting the 'maintenance of the spirit' becomes the wisdom to survive turbulent times.

Seishin no teire (metaphorical spiritual care).

その政治家は、地盤の手入れを徹底することで長年の議席を守ってきた。

That politician has protected his seat for many years by thoroughly 'maintaining' his local support base.

Jiban no teire (political term for maintaining a base).

美学とは、対象に対する執拗なまでの手入れの中に宿るものである。

Aesthetics is something that dwells within the almost obsessive maintenance of an object.

Shitsuyō na made no (to the point of being obsessive).

情報の洪水の中で、自らの知識の手入れを行うことは容易ではない。

In a flood of information, it is not easy to 'maintain' (sort and update) one's own knowledge.

Chishiki no teire (metaphorical knowledge management).

手入れの行き届いた言葉は、鋭い刃物のように真実を切り出す。

Well-maintained (carefully chosen) words cut out the truth like a sharp blade.

Metaphorical use for eloquence.

都市のインフラは、目に見えない手入れの集積によって支えられている。

Urban infrastructure is supported by an accumulation of invisible maintenance.

Me ni mienai teire (invisible maintenance).

Common Collocations

庭の手入れ

肌の手入れ

手入れが行き届く

道具の手入れ

髪の手入れ

手入れ不足

警察の手入れ

こまめに手入れする

手入れを怠る

手入れが簡単

Common Phrases

手入れの行き届いた

— Well-maintained or meticulously cared for. Used as an adjective.

手入れの行き届いた家ですね。

お肌の手入れ

— Skincare. A polite way to refer to one's beauty routine.

お肌の手入れ、どうしていますか？

手入れをする暇がない

— To have no time for maintenance or care.

忙しくて庭の手入れをする暇がない。

道具の手入れは基本だ

— Maintaining tools is the fundamental first step. Common in sports or crafts.

料理人にとって、道具の手入れは基本だ。

手入れを欠かさない

— To never miss or neglect maintenance.

彼は毎日の靴の手入れを欠かさない。

手入れが楽

— Easy to maintain or low-maintenance.

手入れが楽な観葉植物を探しています。

一生懸命手入れする

— To maintain something with all one's might or great effort.

祖父は盆栽を一生懸命手入れしている。

プロの手入れ

— Professional maintenance or care.

やはりプロの手入れは違う。

手入れのやり方

— The method or way of maintaining something.

万年筆の手入れのやり方を調べる。

手入れを施す

— To apply maintenance (formal).

古い仏像に手入れを施す。

Often Confused With

手入れする vs 世話 (Sewa)

Sewa is for living things (babies, pets). Teire is for things and body parts.

手入れする vs 修理 (Shūri)

Shūri is fixing something broken. Teire is keeping it from breaking.

手入れする vs 掃除 (Sōji)

Sōji is just cleaning dirt. Teire is maintaining quality/function.

Idioms & Expressions

"手入れが入る"

— To be raided by the police. Used specifically for illegal activities.

その店に警察の手入れが入った。

Journalistic

"自分磨きも手入れのうち"

— Self-improvement is also a form of maintenance (grooming/care).

外見だけでなく、内面の手入れも大切だ。

Casual/Philosophical

"手入れが行き届く"

— To be perfectly maintained. Often used as a high compliment for a host's home.

隅々まで手入れが行き届いていますね。

Polite

"手入れを怠るなかれ"

— Do not neglect maintenance. A proverbial warning.

成功しても、基本の手入れを怠るなかれ。

Literary

"言葉の手入れ"

— Refining one's speech or writing. Metaphorical.

作家は常に言葉の手入れをしている。

Academic/Literary

"心のの手入れ"

— Taking care of one's mental health or soul. Metaphorical.

たまには休んで、心の手入れをしよう。

Casual/Warm

"手入れ次第で化ける"

— To transform into something great depending on the care given.

この古民家も手入れ次第で化けるよ。

Casual

"手入れの跡が見える"

— Evidence of care is visible. Used to praise effort.

この道具には、長年の手入れの跡が見える。

Respectful

"手入れが命"

— Maintenance is everything (life). Used for things that rely on care.

バイオリンは手入れが命です。

Enthusiast

"手入れ不足は身の毒"

— Lack of self-care/maintenance leads to personal harm. (Play on words).

健康の手入れ不足は身の毒だよ。

Casual

Easily Confused

手入れする vs 整備 (Seibi)

Both mean maintenance.

Seibi is technical/industrial (cars, planes). Teire is personal/manual (gardens, skin).

車の整備 (Car servicing) vs. 庭の手入れ (Garden care).

手入れする vs 維持 (Iji)

Both mean maintenance.

Iji is keeping a state/status (abstract). Teire is physical action (concrete).

健康を維持する (Maintain health) vs. 肌を手入れする (Groom skin).

手入れする vs 保守 (Hoshu)

Both mean maintenance.

Hoshu is professional/systemic (IT, buildings). Teire is daily/hobbyist.

システムの保守 (System maintenance) vs. 道具の手入れ (Tool care).

手入れする vs 修繕 (Shūzen)

Both involve fixing.

Shūzen is specifically mending or patching up (clothes, roofs).

靴の手入れ (Polishing shoes) vs. 靴の修繕 (Fixing a hole in a shoe).

手入れする vs ケア (Kea)

Loanword for care.

Kea is used for health/beauty/feelings. Teire is more manual/physical.

メンタルケア (Mental care) - You cannot say メンタルの手入れ.

Sentence Patterns

[Object] の手入れをします。

靴の手入れをします。

[Object] は手入れが [Adjective] です。

この花は手入れが大変です。

[Object] を [Adverb] 手入れする。

包丁をこまめに手入れする。

手入れを [Verb: Neglect/Skip]。

手入れを怠る。

手入れの行き届いた [Noun]。

手入れの行き届いた庭。

手入れ次第で [Result]。

手入れ次第で一生使えます。

[Abstract Concept] の手入れ。

人間関係の手入れ。

不断の [Noun] の手入れ。

不断の知識の手入れ。

Word Family

Nouns

手入れ (Teire - Maintenance/Care)

手入れ人 (Teire-nin - Maintainer/Caretaker - rare)

手入れ不足 (Teire-busoku - Lack of maintenance)

Verbs

手入れする (Teire suru - To maintain)

手入れされる (Teire sareru - To be maintained)

Adjectives

手入れのいい (Teire no ii - Well-maintained)

手入れの大変な (Teire no taihen na - Hard to maintain)

手 (Hand)

入れる (To put in)

世話 (Care)

掃除 (Cleaning)

修理 (Repair)

How to Use It

frequency

High in domestic, hobbyist, and beauty contexts. Low in abstract academic contexts.

Common Mistakes

Using 'teire' for taking care of a sick person. → 看病する (kanbyō suru) or 世話をする (sewa o suru).
Teire is for objects and grooming. For nursing a person, use kanbyō.
Using 'teire' for fixing a broken car engine. → 修理する (shūri suru) or 整備する (seibi suru).
If it's broken, it's shūri. If it's a technical service, it's seibi.
Saying 'heya no teire' for cleaning a room. → 部屋の掃除 (heya no sōji).
Sōji is for general cleaning. Teire for a room sounds like structural maintenance (waxing floors, etc).
Using 'teire' for maintaining a friendship. → 付き合いを大切にする (tsukiai o taisetsu ni suru).
Teire is too mechanical/physical for friendships.
Using 'teire' for feeding a pet. → エサをやる (esa o yaru) or 世話をする (sewa o suru).
Feeding is nurturing (sewa), not maintenance (teire).

Tips

Verb vs Noun

Remember you can say 'teire suru' (verb) or 'teire o suru' (noun + particle). They are interchangeable, but the latter is slightly more emphatic.

Gardening Context

If you are interested in Japanese gardens, 'teire' is the most important word you can learn. It covers everything from pruning to moss care.

Complimenting

If you visit a Japanese house, saying 'Teire ga yukitodoite imasu ne' is a very high compliment to the owner's diligence.

Skincare

Look for 'お手入れ' on the back of Japanese beauty products. It will usually be followed by instructions on how to apply the product.

The 'Hand' Connection

Always visualize the 'Te' (Hand). If you aren't using your hands to physically fix or care for it, it's probably not 'teire'.

Avoid for People

Never say you are going to 'teire' your friend or child. It sounds like you are going to prune them like a bush!

Tool Maintenance

In sports like baseball or kendo, 'dōgu no teire' (maintaining equipment) is considered part of the training and discipline.

Kanji Recognition

The kanji are very simple. Focus on recognizing them together as a single concept of 'maintenance'.

Contextual Raid

If the atmosphere of the conversation is tense and involves crime, 'teire' is likely a 'raid'.

Adverb Pairs

Pair 'teire suru' with 'mame ni' (diligently) or 'teinei ni' (carefully) to sound more descriptive.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'TE' (Hand) and 'IRE' (In). You put your 'HAND IN' the garden or your 'HAND IN' the cream to maintain things.

Visual Association

Visualize a pair of hands carefully pruning a small bonsai tree or polishing a leather shoe until it shines.

Word Web

Garden Skin Shoes Tools Police Raid Maintenance Care Hands

Challenge

Try to find three things in your room right now that need 'teire' (maintenance) and say 'Kore o teire shimasu' out loud.

Word Origin

Formed by combining the noun 'te' (手 - hand) and 'ire' (入れ - the continuative form of 'ireru', to put in). It appeared in the Edo period to describe manual labor and grooming.

Original meaning: To apply one's hands to something; to intervene manually to fix or improve.

Japonic (Native Japanese origin / Yamato Kotoba).

Cultural Context

Be careful not to use 'teire' for people (except skin/hair) as it can sound objectifying. Use 'sewa' for children or the elderly.

In English, we often say 'take care of,' which is broader. We use 'maintain' for cars but 'groom' for hair. Japanese uses 'teire' for both.

The movie 'The Garden of Words' (Kotonoha no Niwa) features beautiful scenes of garden maintenance. Traditional Japanese sword-making documentaries always emphasize the 'teire' of the blade. Skincare commercials for brands like SK-II frequently use the term 'hada no teire'.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Gardening

枝を切る (Prune branches)
雑草を抜く (Pull weeds)
肥料をやる (Give fertilizer)
水をやる (Water plants)

Skincare

化粧水を塗る (Apply lotion)
保湿する (Moisturize)
洗顔する (Wash face)
パックをする (Apply a face mask)

Leather Goods

クリームを塗る (Apply cream)
ブラシをかける (Brush)
磨く (Polish)
乾拭きする (Wipe dry)

Machinery

油をさす (Oil/Lubricate)
部品を交換する (Replace parts)
点検する (Inspect)
清掃する (Clean/Purify)

Police/Crime

捜索する (Search)
摘発する (Expose/Bust)
立ち入り検査 (On-site inspection)
逮捕する (Arrest)

Conversation Starters

"庭の手入れは、どのくらいの頻度でしていますか？ (How often do you take care of your garden?)"

"革靴のお手入れ、何かこだわりの道具はありますか？ (Do you have any special tools for maintaining your leather shoes?)"

"最近、肌の手入れで気をつけていることはありますか？ (Is there anything you're being careful about with your skincare lately?)"

"手入れが簡単な観葉植物を教えてくれませんか？ (Could you tell me about some easy-to-maintain houseplants?)"

"この古いカメラ、どうやって手入れすればいいでしょうか？ (How should I go about maintaining this old camera?)"

Journal Prompts

今日は、ずっと放置していた道具の手入れをしました。どんな気分でしたか？ (Today, I maintained some tools I had neglected. How did it feel?)

あなたが一番「手入れが大変だ」と思うものは何ですか？その理由も書いてください。 (What do you find most difficult to maintain? Write the reason as well.)

「手入れ」という言葉から、あなたはどんな日本の文化を連想しますか？ (What Japanese culture do you associate with the word 'teire'?)

毎日欠かさず手入れしているもの（肌、髪、部屋など）について書いてください。 (Write about something you maintain every day without fail.)

もし、もっと「自分の心」を手入れするとしたら、何をしますか？ (If you were to 'maintain' your heart/mind more, what would you do?)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Generally, no. Use 'sewa o suru' for feeding and general care. However, for specific grooming like brushing the dog's fur, you can say 'inu no ke no teire' (caring for the dog's hair).

'Sōji' means cleaning to remove dirt (vacuuming, dusting). 'Teire' means maintenance to keep something in good condition (oiling a machine, pruning a tree). If you wax a floor, that's 'teire'. If you just sweep it, that's 'sōji'.

Yes, but mostly for the aesthetics like waxing or cleaning the interior. For mechanical work, 'seibi' (servicing) is more common. 'Kuruma no teire' sounds like you are a hobbyist who loves your car.

No. If it's broken, use 'shūri' (repair). 'Teire' is what you do *before* it breaks, like cleaning the charging port or using a protective case.

It is gender-neutral. However, 'hada no teire' (skincare) is a phrase used very frequently by women, often with the polite 'o' (お手入れ).

In that context, it's a jargon term for a 'raid.' It implies the police are 'cleaning up' an illegal situation.

You can say 'teire ga raku' (手入れが楽) or 'teire ga kantan' (手入れが簡単).

Only metaphorically and usually in a slightly literary or cold sense. It's better to use 'kankei o taisetsu ni suru' (cherish the relationship).

It means 'lack of maintenance.' It's a common noun used to explain why something failed or looks bad. 'Teire-busoku de sabita' (It rusted due to lack of maintenance).

Yes, for physical assets like office equipment or factory machines, but 'seibi' or 'hoshu' are often preferred in very formal documents.