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手数
tesū
trouble or hassle
手数をかけさせてすみません。
Sorry for putting you through so much trouble.
formal
trouble or inconvenience caused to someone else
この件で手数をおかけします。
I apologize for the trouble this may cause.
手数ですが、よろしくお願いします。
Sorry for the inconvenience, but please take care of this.
Often used in polite requests or apologies when asking someone to do something that requires effort.
Technology
technical
number of steps or operations required to complete a task
このアルゴリズムは手数が少ないため高速です。
This algorithm is fast because it requires fewer steps.
Common in computing contexts, especially when discussing computational complexity.
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Polite Usage
When using 手数をかける, it's common to add 故 (ゆえ) or ですが to soften the request further, e.g., 手数をおかけしますが.
Gold Rule
Context Matters
手数 primarily means 'trouble' in social contexts but can mean 'number of steps' in technical contexts. Always check the context to determine the intended meaning.
Word Origin
The word combines 手 (て, 'hand') and 数 (すう, 'number/count'), implying 'the number of steps or actions required.' The sense of 'trouble' derives from the idea that more steps mean more effort for someone else.
Usage Notes
手数 is often used in polite expressions to acknowledge that a request may inconvenience someone. It can also refer to the efficiency of a process in technical contexts.
Word Breakdown
手
hand (as in manual labor or action)
root数
number or count
root和英辞典