伸手 literally means 'to stretch out one's hand' — combining 伸 (shēn), meaning 'to extend or stretch', and 手 (shǒu), meaning 'hand'. As a verb, it describes the physical action of reaching out with the hand, such as to grab something, greet someone, or steady oneself. It’s commonly used in everyday situations like boarding a bus, handing over an item, or helping someone up.

Figuratively, 伸手 also carries the idiomatic meaning 'to ask for help' or 'to reach out for assistance', often implying vulnerability or dependence — for example, when someone is struggling financially or emotionally. In this sense, it can carry a neutral or slightly negative connotation depending on context, especially in phrases like 伸手要钱 ('to ask for money') or 有困难就伸手 ('to reach out when in difficulty').