Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Hold" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "hold", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
差し伸べる
さしのべる (sashinoberu)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
固唾をのむ
かたずをのむ (katazu o nomu)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "hold" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 差し伸べる and 固唾をのむ.
In Japanese, 差し伸べる (さしのべる (sashinoberu)) is typically associated with "to hold out, to extend (a hand, help)" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Often used with 手.
On the other hand, 固唾をのむ (かたずをのむ (katazu o nomu)) maps to "to hold one's breath; to watch with bated breath (due to tension/suspense)" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents An idiom expressing intense suspense, tension, or concentration, often in anticipation of an outcome.. A literal translation of "hold" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
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.
Bilingual Context for "固唾をのむ"
試合の最終局面で、観客は皆固唾をのんで見守った。
In the final moments of the game, all the spectators watched with bated breath.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "困っている人に手を ＿＿＿ のは大切なことだ。" (Meaning: "It is important to offer a helping hand to those in need.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "差し伸べる" fits here because it means "to hold out, to extend (a hand, help)" in the context of: "It is important to offer a helping hand to those in need.". "固唾をのむ" represents "to hold one's breath; to watch with bated breath (due to tension/suspense)".