手

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 手 is read as て in this entry and is a noun for a physical hand or, figuratively, a means or tactic used to solve a problem.
• Basic usage: Context distinguishes 両手をポケットに入れる from the strategic expression この手を試す, even though both take を.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• Physical hand and figurative means
  • 両手 refers to both actual hands, whereas この手 points to a method or tactic available in the situation.
• Nuance versus 方法
  • 方法 is a neutral general method; この手 can sound like selecting a particular move from a set of possible tactics.