Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Hold" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "hold", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
もつ
もつ (motsu)
N5 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
かかえる
かかえる (kakaeru)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "hold" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between もつ and かかえる.
In Japanese, もつ (もつ (motsu)) is typically associated with "to hold, to carry" (Syllabus Level: N5) and represents Transitive verb. Refers to physically holding something in one's hand, or possessing an item. Can also mean 'to last'.
On the other hand, かかえる (かかえる (kakaeru)) maps to "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.. A literal translation of "hold" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "もつ"
カバンを持ちます。
I carry a bag.
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.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "カバンを持ちます。" (Meaning: "I carry a bag.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "もつ" fits here because it means "to hold, to carry" in the context of: "I carry a bag.". "かかえる" represents "to hold in one's arms, to embrace, to have (a problem/debt)".