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
足を引っ張る
あしをひっぱる (ashiwohipparu)
B2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "hold" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 差し伸べる and 足を引っ張る.
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, 足を引っ張る (あしをひっぱる (ashiwohipparu)) maps to "to hold someone back" (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 "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 "足を引っ張る"
毎日、日本語を練習するために足を引っ張る。
Every day, I hold someone back 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.". "足を引っ張る" represents "to hold someone back".