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
押さえる
おさえる (osaeru)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "hold" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 持ちます and 押さえる.
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, 押さえる (おさえる (osaeru)) maps to "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.. 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 "押さえる"
風で飛ばされないように帽子を両手で押さえた。
I held down my hat with both hands so it wouldn't be blown away by the wind.
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.". "押さえる" represents "to hold down, to restrain, to keep under control, to check".