Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Hold" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "hold", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
抱く
だく (daku)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
かかえる
かかえる (kakaeru)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "hold" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 抱く and かかえる.
In Japanese, 抱く (だく (daku)) is typically associated with "to hold, to embrace, to hug" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Often used for physically holding someone or something close, like a child or a pet. Can also mean to have feelings/thoughts.
On the other hand, かかえる (かかえる (kakaeru)) maps to "to hold in one's arms, to embrace, to have (a problem/debt)" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Has two main meanings: physically holding something heavy or bulky in one's arms, or figuratively having a problem/burden/debt.. A literal translation of "hold" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "抱く"
子供を優しく抱いた。
He gently held the child.
Bilingual Context for "かかえる"
彼女はたくさんの荷物を抱えて電車に乗った。
She got on the train holding many bags.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "子供を優しく抱いた。" (Meaning: "He gently held the child.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "抱く" fits here because it means "to hold, to embrace, to hug" in the context of: "He gently held the child.". "かかえる" represents "to hold in one's arms, to embrace, to have (a problem/debt)".