What is the difference between "もつ" and "持つ"?

"もつ" means "to hold, to carry" (N5), whereas "持つ" represents "to hold, to have" (N4).

Kanji Homophone Battle

Pronunciation Trap: "もつ (motsu)"

Same sound, completely different Kanji! Choose the right conceptual writing.

Kanji Option A

もつ (motsu)

N5 / CEFR

Kanji Option B

もつ (motsu)

N4 / CEFR

In Japanese, many words share the exact same pronunciation "もつ (motsu)" but are written with different Kanji, changing the meaning entirely.

もつ (Level: N5): Translates to "to hold, to carry" and is used when Transitive verb. Refers to physically holding something in one's hand, or possessing an item. Can also mean 'to last'.
持つ (Level: N4): Maps to "to hold, to have" and carries the nuance of Can mean 'to hold' an object in hand or 'to possess/have' something.

Mixing these up can easily result in unnatural writing. Look at the bilingual context cards below to master the conceptual boundaries!

Bilingual Context for "もつ"

カバンを持ちます。

I carry a bag.

Bilingual Context for "持つ"

傘を持っていますか？

Do you have an umbrella?

Which Kanji perfectly fits this blank space?

Which Kanji perfectly fits the blank: "カバンを持ちます。" (Meaning: "I carry a bag.")

🎉 Correct Answer!

Correct! "もつ" is used for "to hold, to carry" in the context: "I carry a bag.".