Meaning and Usage
"掌" (てのひら) specifically refers to the palm of the hand, the inner surface opposite the back of the hand. It is a common noun used in both literal and figurative expressions.
Common Expressions
- "掌に汗をかく" means "to have sweaty palms," often used to express nervousness or anxiety.
- "掌を返す" literally means "to turn over the palm," and is used figuratively to describe someone suddenly changing their attitude or opinion.
Register and Nuance
The word "掌" is somewhat formal or literary compared to the more common "手のひら" written in kana. It appears often in written Japanese, literature, and idiomatic expressions.
Common Collocations
- 掌に傷がある (a cut on the palm)
- 掌を返す (to change one's attitude suddenly)
- 掌に汗をかく (to have sweaty palms)
Learner Tips
Be careful not to confuse "掌" with "手の甲" (てのこう), which means the back of the hand. Also, "掌を返す" is an idiomatic expression and should not be taken literally in conversation.