'徒手' literally means 'empty hand'—'徒' here conveys 'bare' or 'unaided,' and '手' means 'hand.' Together, the term describes performing an action without tools, weapons, or external aids. It emphasizes reliance solely on one’s own body, strength, or skill.

This word is commonly used in contexts involving physical activity, medical procedures, martial arts, or emergency response—for example, '徒手心肺复苏' (barehanded CPR) or '徒手攀岩' (free climbing). While it can imply 'unarmed' in self-defense situations, it rarely refers to combat alone; rather, it highlights method or technique without equipment. It carries a neutral-to-positive connotation, often suggesting resourcefulness, skill, or immediacy—especially when tools aren’t available or appropriate.