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
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 抱える and 固唾をのむ.
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, 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 "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 "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: "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.". "固唾をのむ" represents "to hold one's breath; to watch with bated breath (due to tension/suspense)".