Quadruple VS
Synonym Boundary: "持ちます", "もつ", "遠慮する", "抱える"
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
抱える
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", "抱える" 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」.
- 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.
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 "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.
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.".