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
差し伸べる
さしのべる (sashinoberu)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "hold" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between かかえる and 差し伸べる.
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, 差し伸べる (さしのべる (sashinoberu)) maps to "to hold out, to extend (a hand, help)" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Often used with 手. 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 "差し伸べる"
困っている人に手を差し伸べるのは大切なことだ。
It is important to offer a helping hand to those in need.
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.". "差し伸べる" represents "to hold out, to extend (a hand, help)".