How to say "Hold" in Japanese

When translating "hold" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 押さえる and 抱く. In Japanese, 押さえる (おさえる (osaeru)) is typically associated with "to hold down, to restrain, to keep under control, to check" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents 動きを止めたり、位置を固定したり、感情を抑えたりする場合に使う。Used when stopping movement, fixing a position, or suppressing emotions.. On the other hand, 抱く (だく (daku)) maps to "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. A literal translation of "hold" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!