Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Hold" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "hold", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
持つ
もつ (motsu)
N4 / 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 持つ and 催す.
In Japanese, 持つ (もつ (motsu)) is typically associated with "to hold, to have" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents Can mean 'to hold' an object in hand or 'to possess/have' something.
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 "持つ"
傘を持っていますか？
Do you have an umbrella?
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: "傘を持っていますか？" (Meaning: "Do you have an umbrella?")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "持つ" fits here because it means "to hold, to have" in the context of: "Do you have an umbrella?". "催す" represents "to hold (a meeting, event), to feel (a sensation, urge), to show signs of".