Quintuple VS
Synonym Boundary: "もつ", "持つ", "押さえる", "抱える", "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
持つ
もつ (motsu)
N4 / CEFR
Japanese Option C
押さえる
おさえる (osaeru)
N3 / CEFR
Japanese Option D
抱える
かかえる (kakaeru)
N3 / CEFR
Japanese Option E
押える
おさえる (osaeru)
N3 / CEFR
Quintuple VS Nuance Contrast & Social Differences
When expressing "hold" in Japanese, you must carefully distinguish between "もつ", "持つ", "押さえる", "抱える", "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'.
- 持つ (もつ (motsu) - Level: N4): Maps to "to hold, to have" and is used when Can mean 'to hold' an object in hand or 'to possess/have' something.
- 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..
- 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.
- 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 "持つ"
傘を持っていますか？
Do you have an umbrella?
Context for "押さえる"
風で飛ばされないように帽子を両手で押さえた。
I held down my hat with both hands so it wouldn't be blown away by the wind.
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 "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.".