expression, ichidan verb
Used when someone physically touches or handles something, often with a nuance of interfering, meddling, or starting to work on something.
彼はその書類に手をかけた。
He laid his hands on the documents.
この問題に手をかけるのはまだ早
It's too early to start working on this problem.
expression, ichidan verb
Implies giving careful attention or personal care to someone or something, often in a nurturing sense.
彼女は子供たちに手をかけて育てた。
She raised the children with great care.
この庭は手をかければかけるほど美しくなる。
The more you care for this garden, the more beautiful it becomes.
expression, ichidan verb
make off with; steal
A euphemistic or indirect way to say someone stole or took something dishonestly.
犯人は金庫に手をかけた。
The culprit made off with the safe.
誰かが私の財布に手をかけたようだ。
It seems someone stole my wallet.