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Synonym Nuance VS

How to say "Have" in Japanese

Both words can translate to "have", but which should you choose?

Japanese Option A

たしなむ

たしなむ (tashinamu)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B

持て余す

もてあます (moteamasu)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus

Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference

When translating "have" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between たしなむ and 持て余す. In Japanese, たしなむ (たしなむ (tashinamu)) is typically associated with "to have a taste for; to be refined; to have a hobby; to have good manners" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Often used for elegant or cultural hobbies. On the other hand, 持て余す (もてあます (moteamasu)) maps to "to have too much of; to not know what to do with; to be burdened with" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Implies having something in excess. A literal translation of "have" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "たしなむ"
彼女はお茶をたしなむ。
She has a taste for tea ceremony.
Bilingual Context for "持て余す"
休日が長すぎて、何をすればいいか持て余している。
The holiday is too long, and I don't know what to do with my time.

Nuance Mastery Quiz

Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?

Fill in the blank: "彼女はお茶を ___ 。" (Meaning: "She has a taste for tea ceremony.")
🎉 Correct Answer!

Remember: "たしなむ" fits here because it means "to have a taste for; to be refined; to have a hobby; to have good manners" in the context of: "She has a taste for tea ceremony.". "持て余す" represents "to have too much of; to not know what to do with; to be burdened with".