Meaning and Usage
The suffix ～手 (～しゅ) is attached to nouns, especially to indicate a person skilled in or associated with a particular activity, often a player or expert. It is commonly used in contexts like sports (選手), arts (名手), or professions.
Common Collocations
- 選手 (せんしゅ): player, athlete — used for sports players.
- 名手 (めいしゅ): master, expert — used for someone highly skilled.
- 料理上手 (りょうりじょうず): good cook — combining 上手 with ～手 to indicate skill.
Register and Nuance
This suffix is neutral and widely used in both formal and informal contexts. It emphasizes the person's skill or role. When used alone, it often refers to a player or expert in a field.
Learner Tips
Do not confuse ～手 with 上手 (じょうず), which is an adjective meaning 'skillful.' ～手 is a noun suffix indicating a person, while 上手 is used to describe ability. For example, 選手 means 'player,' while 選手が上手です means 'the player is skillful.'