Translation guide
The English phrase 'at hand' can refer to physical proximity, temporal immediacy, or availability. This guide covers natural Japanese expressions for each meaning.
Describing something that is close by or within reach.
Refers to something at hand, within reach, or on hand. Often used for tools, documents, or personal items.
Referring to an event or time that is very near in the future.
Indicating that something is present and can be used immediately.
Literally 'at hand's location'. The most direct way to say something is on hand or available.
資料は手元にあります。
The materials are at hand.
手元 emphasizes physical proximity to one's hands or immediate reach, often for objects you are using. 身近 implies something is part of your daily environment or familiar, not necessarily within arm's reach.
手元の資料をご覧ください。
Please look at the document at hand.
スマホは現代人にとって身近な道具だ。
Smartphones are tools at hand for modern people.
Avoid directly translating 'at hand' as 手に (てに) or 手で (てで). These mean 'in the hand' or 'by hand', not 'nearby' or 'available'.
必要な書類は手元にありますか？
Do you have the necessary documents at hand?
手元にペンがない。
I don't have a pen at hand.
Means close to oneself, familiar, or within easy reach. Often used for everyday objects or familiar people.
スマホはいつも身近にある。
My smartphone is always at hand.
Literally 'right nearby'. A straightforward way to say something is at hand in a physical sense.
駅はすぐ近くにあります。
The station is close at hand.
Means 'before one's eyes' or 'imminent'. Used for events that are about to happen.
試験が目前に迫っている。
The exam is close at hand.
締め切りが目前だ。
The deadline is at hand.
Similar to 目前, meaning 'near', 'close', or 'impending'. Often used for seasons, events, or deadlines.
春が間近に迫っている。
Spring is at hand.
A very common and casual way to say 'soon' or 'almost here'. Suitable for everyday conversation.
もうすぐ夏休みだ。
Summer vacation is at hand.
Means 'have prepared' or 'have ready'. Emphasizes that something has been made available in advance.
必要なものはすべて用意してあります。
Everything needed is at hand.
In many cases, simply stating that something exists nearby is enough. No special phrase for 'at hand' is needed.
This is very context-dependent and may sound too vague if the listener doesn't know the location.
ここにペンがあるよ。
There's a pen at hand here.
手に持っている
holding in hand
手に持っている
holding in hand