Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Hold" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "hold", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
持ちます
もちます (mochimasu)
N5 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
催す
もよおす (moyoosu)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "hold" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 持ちます and 催す.
In Japanese, 持ちます (もちます (mochimasu)) is typically associated with "to hold, to carry, to possess" (Syllabus Level: N5) and represents Polite form of 持つ.
On the other hand, 催す (もよおす (moyoosu)) maps to "to hold (a meeting, event), to feel (a sensation, urge), to show signs of" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents 会合などを開く、または、ある感情や生理現象が起こり始めることを表す他動詞です。/ A transitive verb meaning to hold a meeting or event, or for a certain emotion or physiological phenomenon to begin to occur.. A literal translation of "hold" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "持ちます"
鞄をしっかり持ちます。
I hold my bag firmly.
Bilingual Context for "催す"
近所のホールでコンサートが催される予定だ。
A concert is scheduled to be held at the nearby hall.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "鞄をしっかり ＿＿＿ 。" (Meaning: "I hold my bag firmly.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "持ちます" fits here because it means "to hold, to carry, to possess" in the context of: "I hold my bag firmly.". "催す" represents "to hold (a meeting, event), to feel (a sensation, urge), to show signs of".