Quadruple VS
Synonym Boundary: "持ちます", "押さえる", "抱く", "押える"
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
押さえる
おさえる (osaeru)
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 "持ちます", "押さえる", "抱く", "押える" 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.
- 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 "持ちます"
鞄をしっかり持ちます。
I hold my bag firmly.
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: "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.".