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
持つ
もつ (motsu)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "hold" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between もつ and 持つ.
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, 持つ (もつ (motsu)) maps to "to hold, to have" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents Can mean 'to hold' an object in hand or 'to possess/have' 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 "持つ"
傘を持っていますか？
Do you have an umbrella?
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.". "持つ" represents "to hold, to have".