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
持ちこたえる
もちこたえる (mochikotaeru)
C1 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "hold" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 差し伸べる and 持ちこたえる.
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, 持ちこたえる (もちこたえる (mochikotaeru)) maps to "to hold out, to withstand" (Syllabus Level: C1) and represents Essential structural term in CEFR C1 vocabulary syllabus.. 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 "持ちこたえる"
毎日、日本語を練習するために持ちこたえる。
Every day, I hold out, to withstand to practice Japanese.
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.". "持ちこたえる" represents "to hold out, to withstand".