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Quadruple VS

Synonym Boundary: "遠慮する", "抱える", "開催する", "抱く"

All represent the core concept "hold", but require precise selection.

Japanese Option A

遠慮する

えんりょする (enryo suru)
N4 / CEFR
Japanese Option B

抱える

かかえる (kakaeru)
N3 / CEFR
Japanese Option C

開催する

かいさいする (kaisai suru)
N3 / CEFR
Japanese Option D

抱く

だく (daku)
N3 / CEFR

Quadruple VS Nuance Contrast & Social Differences

When expressing "hold" in Japanese, you must carefully distinguish between "遠慮する", "抱える", "開催する", "抱く" based on context.
  • 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.
  • 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..
  • 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.
Mixing these up can easily lead to unnatural translations. Refer to the bilingual context cards below to master the boundaries!
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.
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 "抱く"
子供を優しく抱いた。
He gently held the child.

Synonym Mastery Challenge

Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?

Fill in the blank: "気を使わずに、遠慮しないでください。" (Meaning: "Please don't hesitate and make yourself at home.")
🎉 Correct Answer!

Remember: "遠慮する" is correct here because it represents "to hold back, to refrain from, to be reserved, to decline" in the context: "Please don't hesitate and make yourself at home.".

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