Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Have" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "have", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
揉める
もめる (momeru)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
もてあます
もてあます (moteamasu)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "have" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 揉める and もてあます.
In Japanese, 揉める (もめる (momeru)) is typically associated with "to have trouble, to dispute, to quarrel, to get into a row" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Describes a situation where people are in conflict or disagreement, often leading to arguments or difficulties. It implies a disturbance or dispute..
On the other hand, もてあます (もてあます (moteamasu)) maps to "to have too much of; to not know what to do with; to be at a loss with; to be burdened with" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Expresses a feeling of having more of something. A literal translation of "have" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "揉める"
兄弟でおもちゃのことでよく揉めていた。
The brothers often quarreled over toys.
Bilingual Context for "もてあます"
長い休みを持て余して、何をすればいいかわからない。
I have too much free time during the long vacation and don't know what to do.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "兄弟でおもちゃのことでよく揉めていた。" (Meaning: "The brothers often quarreled over toys.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "揉める" fits here because it means "to have trouble, to dispute, to quarrel, to get into a row" in the context of: "The brothers often quarreled over toys.". "もてあます" represents "to have too much of; to not know what to do with; to be at a loss with; to be burdened with".