Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Hold" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "hold", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
押える
おさえる (osaeru)
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 押える and かかえる.
In Japanese, 押える (おさえる (osaeru)) is typically associated with "to hold down, to suppress, to catch (e.g., a criminal), to restrain" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Has various meanings depending on context, from physically holding something down to suppressing emotions or catching something..
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 "押える"
風で飛ばされないように、帽子を手で押さえた。
I held my hat with my hand so it wouldn't be blown away by the wind.
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: "風で飛ばされないように、帽子を手で押さえた。" (Meaning: "I held my hat with my hand so it wouldn't be blown away by the wind.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "押える" fits here because it means "to hold down, to suppress, to catch (e.g., a criminal), to restrain" in the context of: "I held my hat with my hand so it wouldn't be blown away by the wind.". "かかえる" represents "to hold in one's arms, to embrace, to have (a problem/debt)".