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手段 (しゅだん) Japanese meaning | Kotomora
Common word JLPT N3 Freq. Frequency Top 2,000 Meanings 1
noun
means ; way ; method
A general word for the method, instrument, or resource used to achieve a goal. Often used in phrases like 手段を選ばない (by any means) or 手段として (as a means).
彼かれ
は
目もく
的てき
の
ため
に
は
手しゅ
段だん
を
選えら
ば
ない
。
He will use any means to achieve his ends.
Similar words 方ほう 法ほう 方法 is a more neutral 'method' or 'way' of doing something, often implying a systematic procedure. 手段 emphasizes the instrumentality or resource used to achieve an end, and can carry a nuance of a tool or tactic.
手て 立だ て 手立て is a slightly more formal or literary synonym for 'means', often used in the phrase 手立てを講じる (to take measures). 手段 is more common in everyday speech.
Etymology Compound of 手 (hand, method) and 段 (step, grade). The combination conveys the idea of a step or method taken by hand, i.e., a practical means.
