Quadruple VS
Synonym Boundary: "持ちます", "もつ", "遠慮する", "かかえる"
All represent the core concept "hold", but require precise selection.
Japanese Option A
持ちます
もちます (mochimasu)
N5 / CEFR
Japanese Option B
もつ
もつ (motsu)
N5 / CEFR
Japanese Option C
遠慮する
えんりょする (enryo suru)
N4 / CEFR
Japanese Option D
かかえる
かかえる (kakaeru)
N3 / CEFR
Quadruple VS Nuance Contrast & Social Differences
When expressing "hold" in Japanese, you must carefully distinguish between "持ちます", "もつ", "遠慮する", "かかえる" based on context.
- 持ちます (もちます (mochimasu) - Level: N5): Maps to "to hold, to carry, to possess" and is used when Polite form of 持つ.
- 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'.
- 遠慮する (えんりょする (enryo suru) - Level: N4): Maps to "to hold back, to refrain from, to be reserved, to decline" and is used when To hesitate or hold back due to modesty, consideration for others, or politeness. Can mean to gently decline an offer or to be reserved. Often used in phrases like「遠慮なくどうぞ」.
- かかえる (かかえる (kakaeru) - Level: N3): Maps to "to hold in one's arms, to embrace, to have (a problem/debt)" and is used when Has two main meanings: physically holding something heavy or bulky in one's arms, or figuratively having a problem/burden/debt..
Context for "持ちます"
鞄をしっかり持ちます。
I hold my bag firmly.
Context for "もつ"
カバンを持ちます。
I carry a bag.
Context for "遠慮する"
気を使わずに、遠慮しないでください。
Please don't hesitate and make yourself at home.
Context for "かかえる"
彼女はたくさんの荷物を抱えて電車に乗った。
She got on the train holding many bags.
Synonym Mastery Challenge
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "鞄をしっかり ＿＿＿ 。" (Meaning: "I hold my bag firmly.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "持ちます" is correct here because it represents "to hold, to carry, to possess" in the context: "I hold my bag firmly.".