Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Hold" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "hold", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
催す
もよおす (moyoosu)
N2 / 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 催す and 差し伸べる.
In Japanese, 催す (もよおす (moyoosu)) is typically associated with "to hold (a meeting, event), to feel (a sensation, urge), to show signs of" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents 会合などを開く、または、ある感情や生理現象が起こり始めることを表す他動詞です。/ A transitive verb meaning to hold a meeting or event, or for a certain emotion or physiological phenomenon to begin to occur..
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 "催す"
近所のホールでコンサートが催される予定だ。
A concert is scheduled to be held at the nearby hall.
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: "近所のホールでコンサートが催される予定だ。" (Meaning: "A concert is scheduled to be held at the nearby hall.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "催す" fits here because it means "to hold (a meeting, event), to feel (a sensation, urge), to show signs of" in the context of: "A concert is scheduled to be held at the nearby hall.". "差し伸べる" represents "to hold out, to extend (a hand, help)".