持っている
motte iru
The English phrase 'has' can be translated into Japanese as 持っている (motte iru).
持っている is used to indicate the possession of non-living objects. If you are referring to having living beings, such as family members, pets or friends, you should use 〜がいる instead.
What does it mean word for word?
Literally, it means 'is holding' or 'is carrying'.
How does it change in a sentence?
The polite form of 持っている is 持っています. To express the past tense, 'had', use 持っていた.
How do you pronounce it?
motte iru
Did you know?
- In Japanese, 'having' a cold or a fever is not expressed with 持っている. Instead, you use verbs that describe the symptom 'appearing' or 'occurring' in the body.
- While 持っている means 'to have' or 'to possess', it is also used to describe someone who has a certain talent or 'it' factor, such as saying a person 持っている when they are incredibly lucky.
- The character 持 is used in many words related to holding or supporting, such as 支持 (support/endorsement). This shows the root meaning of 'holding' extends into the metaphorical realm of supporting an idea.
Examples in context
- 彼は本を持っている。He has a book.This sentence is useful for showing how to use 持っている with a book.Tatoeba #99909 by bunbuku, translation #303788 by CK
- 彼は車を持っている。He has a car.This sentence is useful for showing how to use 持っている with a car.Tatoeba #104634 by bunbuku, translation #513545 by CK
- 誰でも夢を持っている。Everyone has dreams.This sentence is useful for showing how to use 持っている with dreams.Tatoeba #11669298 by small_snow, translation #10349377 by sundown
- 友達は新しい車 を持っていない 。My friend doesn't have a new car.
- 98 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Misaki asks Kenta if he has a pen.
- 美咲 Misaki健太くん、ペンを持っている？Kenta-kun, pen o motte iru?Kenta, do you have a pen?
- 健太 Kentaうん、持っているよ。Un, motte iru yo.Yes, I have one.
- 美咲 Misaki貸してくれる？Kashite kureru?Can you lend it to me?
- 健太 Kentaいいよ、はい。Ii yo, hai.Sure, here it is.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
