Synonym Boundary: "もつ", "押さえる", "開催する", "抱く", "押える"

When expressing "hold" in Japanese, you must carefully distinguish between "もつ", "押さえる", "開催する", "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'.
• 押さえる (おさえる (osaeru) - Level: N3): Maps to "to hold down, to restrain, to keep under control, to check" and is used when 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..
• 開催する (かいさいする (kaisai suru) - Level: N3): Maps to "to hold (an event), to organize, to host" and is used when Used for events, meetings, festivals, etc. It implies the act of arranging and making something happen..
• 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..

Mixing these up can easily lead to unnatural translations. Refer to the bilingual context cards below to master the boundaries!