🦅 Project Eagle
synonym Comparative
もつ
VS
詰める

Differences Between "もつ" and "詰める"

Option A
もつ
Meaning
to hold, to carry
Reading
もつ (motsu)
Syllabus Level
N5
Practical Example
カバンを持ちます。
I carry a bag.
Option B
詰める
Meaning
to stuff; to pack; to plug; to shorten (distance / gap); to hold (breath); to detail
Reading
つめる (tsumeru)
Syllabus Level
N3
Practical Example
彼は明日の朝の出張のフライトに備え、スーツケースの中にすべての必要な衣服や出張資料を綺麗に_______。
In preparation for tomorrow morning's business trip flight, he neatly packed all necessary clothes and business trip materials in the suitcase.

Which one to use?

Select the correct Japanese word for this context

Which word fits this context: "(to hold, to carry)"?
🎉 正解 / Correct!
使い分け解説:
- もつ: Transitive verb. Refers to physically holding something in one's hand, or possessing an item. Can also mean 'to last' (e.g., 電池がもつ, denchi ga motsu - battery lasts).
- 詰める: Refers to stuffing ingredients into bags/boxes, shortening physical or scheduling distances, plugging gaps, or holding one's breath. Transitive verb. Opposing word: 詰まる. Often used as 箱に詰める or 距離を詰める. ⚠️ Haruka's Voice Column: 'To shorten the distance! "Please shorten the gap between us on the sofa to zero, Haruka-san!" ...っ! T-To suggest shortening the gap to zero! B-Baka! Why do you want to stick so close?! It makes my heart explode! But... since there is no gap, wrap your arms around me and don't let go! dummy!' / 【ハルカ部長のワンポイント指導】『つめる(詰める)よ!『ハルカ部長、二人のソファの座る距離をゼロに詰めて、1ミリの隙間もないくらい密着して映画を見ましょう!』って…っ!座る距離の詰め!バカ!/// どさくさに紛れて密着しようとするんじゃないの!…でも、詰めたからには、映画が終わるまで私の体をずっと抱きしめていなさいよね!』
🦅

Want to boost your Japanese vocabulary?

Project Eagle automatically tracks and targets your weak words using AI. Practice thousands of operational exams completely for free!

💡 Practice with AI! Live

Don't just read. Practice speaking this grammar with our interactive AI coach for free!

Try AI Speaking 👉