手を抜く[te o nuku]: cut corners

July 12, 2020

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It is a phrase that means "cut corners". It is used when describing situations in which you skip certain steps in order to do something as easy as possible. "手抜き" is a noun of "手を抜く".

"サボる" and "怠ける" are similar to "手を抜く". "サボる" and "怠ける" are used when you skip work/class. It is always used in a negative way.
On the other hand, 手を抜く" is used when you go to work/class but you slack off or you cut corners in a reasonable manner. It is used in both positive and negative ways.

Meg got home late at night and she is talking to her boyfriend.

  • Meg: I'm so tired. Is it all right, if I made fuss-free recipes such as omurice tonight?
    疲れたなぁ。今夜はオムライスとか、手抜き料理でもいい?
  • Tom: Sure. I like it.
    うん、いいよ。

She is taking care of her skin before going to bed.

  • Tom: You should sleep early.
    早く寝なよ。
  • Meg: I know it, but I want to keep my skin healthy and glowing so I cannot cut corners with skincare.
    うん。でも、肌を綺麗に保ちたいから、お肌の手入れだけは、手を抜けないよ。
Ken is worried about Leo because he has been working overtime everyday for more than two weeks.

  • Ken: I'm leaving soon. I can give you a ride home.
    そろそろ帰ろうかな。送っていくよ。
  • Leo: No, thank you. I'm going to go through the documents one more time.
    ありがとう、でもいいや。もう一度資料を確認したいんだ。
  • Ken: You look tired. If you always try to be perfect, you might end up exhausted. I think it's important to know when to skimp on work.
    疲れているみたいだぞ。いつも完璧でいようとすると疲れちゃうぞ。たまには手を抜かなきゃ
  • Leo: All right. I'll do it tomorrow.
    そうだな。明日やるか。

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