Translation guide
The English phrasal verb 'hand over' means to give something to someone, often by physically passing it, or to transfer control, responsibility, or possession. This guide covers natural Japanese expressions for these situations.
To give something to someone by extending your hand, often in a direct, face-to-face situation.
The most common and neutral verb for handing something over. It implies physically passing an object to someone.
彼に鍵を渡した。
I handed him the keys.
この書類を受付に渡してください。
Please hand these documents over at the reception desk.
Emphasizes the act of handing over directly by hand, often used when the physical transfer is important.
直接手渡しでお願いします。
Please hand it over in person.
To give someone else authority, a task, or a role, often in formal or organizational contexts.
Used when taking over or handing over duties, projects, or responsibilities, especially in a workplace.
仕事を後任に引き継いだ。
I handed over the work to my successor.
プロジェクトの引き継ぎを行います。
We will hand over the project.
Implies handing over something willingly, often a right, position, or property. Can be used for succession.
Formal/literary. To entrust or hand over authority or decision-making to someone.
To give something to someone because you are forced to, or as part of a demand, often in confrontational situations.
To hand over something by presenting it, often under pressure or as required. Common in robbery or official demands.
強盗は金を差し出すように要求した。
The robber demanded that he hand over the money.
パスポートを係官に差し出した。
I handed over my passport to the officer.
Specifically for handing over or vacating a place, such as a house or land, often under legal obligation.
Formal term for handing over a person (e.g., a criminal) or goods to authorities.
To present something officially, such as an award, gift, or document, often with a sense of ceremony.
Used for formally presenting gifts, awards, or commemorative items.
記念品を贈呈した。
We handed over a commemorative gift.
To confer or award something like a degree, prize, or certificate.
卒業証書が授与された。
The diplomas were handed over.
渡す is the general term for handing over. 手渡す emphasizes the direct hand-to-hand action. 差し出す implies presenting something, often under demand or in a formal submission.
Do not use 手 (hand) in a literal translation like 手を渡す. The natural verbs are 渡す, 手渡す, etc.
彼は書類を渡した。
He handed over the documents.
CEOは後任に経営権を譲った。
The CEO handed over control to her successor.
He handed over the presidency to his son.
全権を彼に委ねた。
I handed over full authority to him.
借家を明け渡すように言われた。
I was told to hand over the rented house.
容疑者は警察に引き渡された。
The suspect was handed over to the police.