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
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 抱く and 持ちこたえる.
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, 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 "抱く"
子供を優しく抱いた。
He gently held the child.
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: "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.". "持ちこたえる" represents "to hold out, to withstand".