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
抱く
だく (daku)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "hold" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 持つ and 抱く.
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, 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!
Bilingual Context for "持つ"
傘を持っていますか？
Do you have an umbrella?
Bilingual Context for "抱く"
子供を優しく抱いた。
He gently held the child.
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?". "抱く" represents "to hold, to embrace, to hug".