Quintuple VS
Synonym Boundary: "持つ", "押さえる", "抱える", "開催する", "かかえる"
All represent the core concept "hold", but require precise selection.
Japanese Option A
持つ
もつ (motsu)
N4 / CEFR
Japanese Option B
押さえる
おさえる (osaeru)
N3 / CEFR
Japanese Option C
抱える
かかえる (kakaeru)
N3 / CEFR
Japanese Option D
開催する
かいさいする (kaisai suru)
N3 / CEFR
Japanese Option E
かかえる
かかえる (kakaeru)
N3 / CEFR
Quintuple VS Nuance Contrast & Social Differences
When expressing "hold" in Japanese, you must carefully distinguish between "持つ", "押さえる", "抱える", "開催する", "かかえる" based on context.
- 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.
- 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..
- 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 "開催する"
来月、新しい展示会が開催されます。
A new exhibition will be held next month.
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: "傘を持っていますか？" (Meaning: "Do you have an umbrella?")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "持つ" is correct here because it represents "to hold, to have" in the context: "Do you have an umbrella?".