歌手 meaning

[linknut]

Why is 歌手 write with a 手 (hand) kanji? is it like the japanese singers used to move their hands while singing? or is there another reason?

 

[Majestic]

The meaning in this usage is different from the body part. Here it is used to mean "someone who accepts/performs a certain kind of work".

運転手
選手
歌手
助手

In English we use the word "hand" idiomatically as well, so to me it feels rather close in nature to the way we sometimes use it.

"He's an old hand at this..."
"I had a hand in the production of this"
"farm-hand"
"ranch-hand"

「運転手」には、どうして体の一部を表す「手」という漢字が付いているのですか？｜漢字文化資料館

それはやっぱり、運転は主に「手」でするからでしょうかねえ。でもそうすると、昔なつかしの「電話交換手」はどうでしょうか？あれも主に「手」でする仕事だったんじゃないでしょうか。でもでも...

kanjibunka.com

 

[linknut]

Oh, thank you very much! It was really very informative.

 

[Buntaro]

All hands on deck!