‘手续’ (shǒu xù) is a noun meaning 'procedure' or 'formalities' — the official steps required to complete an administrative, legal, or bureaucratic task. Literally, 手 (shǒu) means 'hand', evoking action or handling, while 续 (xù) means 'to continue' or 'to follow up'; together, they suggest the sequential, hands-on steps needed to carry something through to completion. The term emphasizes process over outcome and is commonly used in contexts involving government offices, banks, schools, hospitals, or travel.

This word is almost always plural in English translation (e.g., 'the necessary procedures'), though it’s grammatically singular in Chinese. It frequently appears with modifiers like '办理' (to handle/process), '简化' (to simplify), or '繁琐的' (complicated), highlighting its association with bureaucracy and red tape. Unlike general terms like '步骤' (steps), 手续 specifically implies official, documented, and often institutional requirements.