Quadruple VS
Synonym Boundary: "携える", "担ぐ", "持ち越す", "繰り越す"
All represent the core concept "carry", but require precise selection.
Japanese Option A
携える
たずさえる (tazusaeru)
N2 / CEFR
Japanese Option B
担ぐ
かつぐ (katsugu)
N2 / CEFR
Japanese Option C
持ち越す
もちこす (mochikosu)
N2 / CEFR
Japanese Option D
繰り越す
くりこす (kurikosu)
N2 / CEFR
Quadruple VS Nuance Contrast & Social Differences
When expressing "carry" in Japanese, you must carefully distinguish between "携える", "担ぐ", "持ち越す", "繰り越す" based on context.
- 携える (たずさえる (tazusaeru) - Level: N2): Maps to "to carry (in one's hand), to take along, to be accompanied by" and is used when 物や人を一緒に連れて行く、または手に持って行く際に使う。物理的なものだけでなく、計画や責任などを「携える」という比喩的な使い方もできる。Used when carrying an object or bringing a person along. Can also be used metaphorically for carrying a plan or responsibility..
- 担ぐ (かつぐ (katsugu) - Level: N2): Maps to "to carry on one's shoulders; to shoulder; to hoist" and is used when Primarily refers to carrying something heavy on one's shoulders or back. Can also colloquially mean to trick someone or to elect someone..
- 持ち越す (もちこす (mochikosu) - Level: N2): Maps to "to carry over, to postpone, to defer (to the next day/month/etc.)" and is used when Used when something.
- 繰り越す (くりこす (kurikosu) - Level: N2): Maps to "to carry over (e.g., balance, leave days)" and is used when Commonly used in finance, accounting, or when managing annual leave, meaning to transfer something to the next period or year..
Context for "携える"
彼はいつも辞書を携えて旅行する。
He always travels carrying a dictionary.
Context for "担ぐ"
祭りで、みんなでお神輿を担いだ。
At the festival, everyone shouldered the portable shrine.
Context for "持ち越す"
その問題は、来週の会議に持ち越されることになった。
That issue was decided to be carried over to next week's meeting.
Context for "繰り越す"
残りの有給休暇を来年に繰り越す。
To carry over the remaining paid leave to next year.
Synonym Mastery Challenge
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "彼はいつも辞書を携えて旅行する。" (Meaning: "He always travels carrying a dictionary.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "携える" is correct here because it represents "to carry (in one's hand), to take along, to be accompanied by" in the context: "He always travels carrying a dictionary.".