Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Hold" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "hold", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
抱える
かかえる (kakaeru)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
催す
もよおす (moyoosu)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "hold" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 抱える and 催す.
In Japanese, 抱える (かかえる (kakaeru)) is typically associated with "to hold (in one's arms); to carry; to have (a problem/debt); to be burdened with" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Can refer to physically holding/carrying something.
On the other hand, 催す (もよおす (moyoosu)) maps to "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.. A literal translation of "hold" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "抱える"
彼女はたくさんの書類を抱えてオフィスに戻った。その会社は大きな問題を抱えている。
She returned to the office carrying a lot of documents. That company is burdened with a big problem.
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.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "彼女はたくさんの書類を抱えてオフィスに戻った。その会社は大きな問題を抱えている。" (Meaning: "She returned to the office carrying a lot of documents. That company is burdened with a big problem.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "抱える" fits here because it means "to hold (in one's arms); to carry; to have (a problem/debt); to be burdened with" in the context of: "She returned to the office carrying a lot of documents. That company is burdened with a big problem.". "催す" represents "to hold (a meeting, event), to feel (a sensation, urge), to show signs of".