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
抱える
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 抱える.
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, 抱える (かかえる (kakaeru)) maps to "to hold (in one's arms); to carry; to have (a problem/debt); to be burdened with" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Can refer to physically holding/carrying something. 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 "抱える"
彼女はたくさんの書類を抱えてオフィスに戻った。その会社は大きな問題を抱えている。
She returned to the office carrying a lot of documents. That company is burdened with a big problem.
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.". "抱える" represents "to hold (in one's arms); to carry; to have (a problem/debt); to be burdened with".