handy

handy — adjective

1. easy to reach or use because of where it is kept or how it is designed.

1.形容詞B1
釋義

easy to reach or use because of where it is kept or how it is designed.

例句

The spare keys are kept in a handy drawer near the front door.

collocation: keep handy / keep in a handy place

Mira found a handy little app that translates Chinese characters instantly.

同義詞
  • convenient

    slightly more formal; emphasizes ease of timing or location rather than physical reach

  • useful

    broader in meaning; does not specifically suggest that something is near or easy to reach

  • within reach

    phrase that emphasizes physical proximity more than ease of use

反義詞

文法句型

be handy

keep handy

come in handy

handy for [noun]

用法筆記

Often appears in the fixed phrase 'come in handy', which means 'be useful at some future time' (e.g. 'Keep this string — it may come in handy'). The adjective is less formal than 'convenient' or 'useful' and is common in everyday speech.

常見錯誤

❌This tool is very handy to use for opening bottles.
✅This tool is handy for opening bottles.
💡'handy' already includes the idea of easy use; adding 'to use' is redundant.
❌I bought a handy phone.
✅I bought a phone with handy features.
💡'handy' describes tools, devices, or locations, not the person or brand itself.

2. good at using your hands to make, repair, or create things — for example, someon

2.形容詞B2
釋義

good at using your hands to make, repair, or create things — for example, someone who can fix a broken chair with simple tools, or sew a torn shirt neatly without a sewing machine.

例句

Wei is very handy with a sewing machine and can mend almost any tear.

pattern: handy with [tool]

Indra proved handy at fixing old bicycles when the local repair shop was closed.

pattern: handy at [activity]

同義詞
  • dexterous

    more formal; focuses on precise finger movements rather than general DIY skill

  • skilful

    broader; can refer to any kind of skill, not just with the hands

  • practical

    emphasises the ability to solve everyday problems rather than fine manual skill

反義詞
  • clumsy

    often drops or breaks things; lacks fine motor control

  • all thumbs

    informal idiom meaning unable to use one's hands skilfully

文法句型

be handy with [tool/material]

be handy at [activity]

用法筆記

Typically followed by 'with' plus the tool or material ('handy with a hammer', 'handy with a needle'). Can be used alone when context is clear: 'My brother is very handy — he built the shed himself.' The subject is always a person.

常見錯誤

❌She is handy to fix things.
✅She is handy at fixing things.' or 'She is handy with tools.
💡'handy' meaning skilful is followed by 'with' (tool) or 'at' (activity), NOT by an infinitive.
❌He is a handy person to repair cars.
✅He is handy at repairing cars.
💡same pattern: use 'at' + gerund, not 'to' + infinitive.