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
挟む
はさむ (hasamu)
B2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "hold" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between もつ and 挟む.
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, 挟む (はさむ (hasamu)) maps to "to hold between" (Syllabus Level: B2) and represents Essential structural term in CEFR B2 vocabulary syllabus.. 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 "挟む"
毎日、日本語を練習するために挟む。
Every day, I hold between to practice Japanese.
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.". "挟む" represents "to hold between".