Quadruple VS
Synonym Boundary: "もつ", "抱える", "抱く", "押える"
All represent the core concept "hold", but require precise selection.
Japanese Option A
もつ
もつ (motsu)
N5 / CEFR
Japanese Option B
抱える
かかえる (kakaeru)
N3 / CEFR
Japanese Option C
抱く
だく (daku)
N3 / CEFR
Japanese Option D
押える
おさえる (osaeru)
N3 / CEFR
Quadruple VS Nuance Contrast & Social Differences
When expressing "hold" in Japanese, you must carefully distinguish between "もつ", "抱える", "抱く", "押える" based on context.
- もつ (もつ (motsu) - Level: N5): Maps to "to hold, to carry" and is used when Transitive verb. Refers to physically holding something in one's hand, or possessing an item. Can also mean 'to last'.
- 抱える (かかえる (kakaeru) - Level: N3): Maps to "to hold (in one's arms); to carry; to have (a problem/debt); to be burdened with" and is used when Can refer to physically holding/carrying something.
- 抱く (だく (daku) - Level: N3): Maps to "to hold, to embrace, to hug" and is used when Often used for physically holding someone or something close, like a child or a pet. Can also mean to have feelings/thoughts.
- 押える (おさえる (osaeru) - Level: N3): Maps to "to hold down, to suppress, to catch (e.g., a criminal), to restrain" and is used when Has various meanings depending on context, from physically holding something down to suppressing emotions or catching something..
Context for "もつ"
カバンを持ちます。
I carry a bag.
Context for "抱える"
彼女はたくさんの書類を抱えてオフィスに戻った。その会社は大きな問題を抱えている。
She returned to the office carrying a lot of documents. That company is burdened with a big problem.
Context for "抱く"
子供を優しく抱いた。
He gently held the child.
Context for "押える"
風で飛ばされないように、帽子を手で押さえた。
I held my hat with my hand so it wouldn't be blown away by the wind.
Synonym Mastery Challenge
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "カバンを持ちます。" (Meaning: "I carry a bag.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "もつ" is correct here because it represents "to hold, to carry" in the context: "I carry a bag.".