手駒

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 手駒 is read as てごま and is a noun for a game piece available in hand or, figuratively, a person used as a pawn.
• Basic usage: Counting the pieces in hand appears in 手元の手駒を数える, while treating subordinates like pawns appears in 部下を手駒のように扱う.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• A literal piece and a figurative person
  • Context distinguishes an available game piece from a person disparagingly treated as an instrument for someone’s purpose.
• Difference from 駒
  • Unlike the broad word for a game or shogi piece, this term emphasizes something available under one’s control and supports the figurative pawn sense.