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
固唾をのむ
かたずをのむ (katazu o nomu)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "hold" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between かかえる and 固唾をのむ.
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, 固唾をのむ (かたずをのむ (katazu o nomu)) maps to "to hold one's breath; to watch with bated breath (due to tension/suspense)" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents An idiom expressing intense suspense, tension, or concentration, often in anticipation of an outcome.. 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 "固唾をのむ"
試合の最終局面で、観客は皆固唾をのんで見守った。
In the final moments of the game, all the spectators watched with bated breath.
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.". "固唾をのむ" represents "to hold one's breath; to watch with bated breath (due to tension/suspense)".