A handful Meaning in English
expression
ˈeɪ/, /ə/ /ˈhændˌfʊɫ
uh HAND-fuhl
æɪ/ /hˈændfəl
uh HAND-fuhl
Definition
A small quantity that fits in one hand; also, a person (especially a child) who is difficult to control or manage.
Usage & Nuances
Informal expression. As quantity, used with objects: 'a handful of nuts'. As idiom, often about children: 'He's a handful.' Implies playful trouble, not serious problems. Don't use for adults unless joking/light-hearted.
Spanish: un puñado - alguien difícil de controlarPortuguese (BR): um punhado - alguém difícil de lidarPortuguese (PT): um punhado - alguém difícil de controlarChinese (Simplified): 一把 - 难以应付的人Chinese (Traditional): 一把 - 難以應付的人Hindi: एक मुट्ठी - मुश्किल व्यक्तिArabic: حفنة - شخص يصعب التعامل معهBengali: এক-মুঠো - দুষ্টু (শিশু/পোষ্য)Russian: горсть - шалун (о ребёнке)Japanese: ひとつかみ - 手に負えない子（やんちゃな子）Vietnamese: một nhúm - đứa trẻ nghịch ngợm (khó kiểm soát)Korean: 한 줌 - 버거운 아이(다루기 힘든 아이)Turkish: bir avuç - yaramaz (çocuk/hayvan)Urdu: ایک مُٹھی - شرارتی (بچہ/پالتو جانور)Indonesian: sejumput - anak yang sulit diatur (bandel)
Example Sentences
She gave me a handful of candies.
basic
There were only a handful of people at the meeting.
basic
His son can be a handful sometimes.
basic
Wow, your puppy is really a handful!
natural
Managing three kids under five is more than a handful.
natural
She's sweet, but she's definitely a handful in class.
natural