Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Hold" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "hold", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
かかえる
かかえる (kakaeru)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
催す
もよおす (moyoosu)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "hold" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between かかえる and 催す.
In Japanese, かかえる (かかえる (kakaeru)) is typically associated with "to hold in one's arms, to embrace, to have (a problem/debt)" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Has two main meanings: physically holding something heavy or bulky in one's arms, or figuratively having a problem/burden/debt..
On the other hand, 催す (もよおす (moyoosu)) maps to "to hold (a meeting, event), to feel (a sensation, urge), to show signs of" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents 会合などを開く、または、ある感情や生理現象が起こり始めることを表す他動詞です。/ A transitive verb meaning to hold a meeting or event, or for a certain emotion or physiological phenomenon to begin to occur.. A literal translation of "hold" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "かかえる"
彼女はたくさんの荷物を抱えて電車に乗った。
She got on the train holding many bags.
Bilingual Context for "催す"
近所のホールでコンサートが催される予定だ。
A concert is scheduled to be held at the nearby hall.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "彼女はたくさんの荷物を抱えて電車に乗った。" (Meaning: "She got on the train holding many bags.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "かかえる" fits here because it means "to hold in one's arms, to embrace, to have (a problem/debt)" in the context of: "She got on the train holding many bags.". "催す" represents "to hold (a meeting, event), to feel (a sensation, urge), to show signs of".