持つ
motsu[mo̞t͡sɨ]
In Japanese, 'have' can be expressed in several ways depending on the context, most commonly by using 持つ (motsu). Wiktionary also lists ある (aru) and いる (iru).
Meaning: to possess (verb)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 持つ | motsu | [mo̞t͡sɨ] (narrow) |
| ある | aru | [a̠ɾɯ̟] (narrow) |
| いる | iru | [iɾɯ̟] (narrow) |
To express possession of an inanimate object or an abstract concept, use ある. To emphasize the physical act of holding or carrying something on your person, use 持つ.
Which one should you use?
Use 持つ to emphasize the physical act of holding or carrying something in one's hand or person. Use ある for the existence or possession of inanimate objects or abstract concepts.
How does it change in a sentence?
The continuous form 持っている is often used to express the state of currently possessing something.
How do you pronounce it?
motsu
Did you know?
- While ある and いる both mean 'to have' or 'to exist', you cannot use ある for people or animals. Using it for a human would imply they are an inanimate object.
- The word ある can be used as a determiner to mean 'a certain' or 'some', as in 'a certain person'.
- The verb 持つ is used for things you can physically grasp, but the continuous form 持っている is used to say you 'own' something, like a house or a car.
Examples in context
- 今携帯ある？Do you have your cell on you?This sentence shows how to use ある to ask if someone has a cell phone on them.Tatoeba #3455803 by tommy_san, translation #5906979 by usagi
- 五ドルある？Do you have five dollars?This sentence uses ある to ask about the possession of an amount of money.Tatoeba #8598725 by bunbuku, translation #5745274 by CM
- 休みがある。I have the day off.This sentence uses ある to express having an abstract concept like a day off.Tatoeba #8967772 by Ninja, translation #5858208 by CK
- 彼は大金を持っています。He has a lot of money.
- 私は彼に対する不信感を持っています。I have a sense of distrust towards him.
- 彼は多くの責任を持ってる。He has a lot of responsibilities.
- パーティーには美味しい料理がある。There will be delicious food at the party.
- 1731 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Hime and Kenta are looking for a pen in the classroom.
- 陽葵 Himari健太くん、ペンを持ってる？Kenta-kun, pen o motteru?Kenta, do you have a pen?
- 健太 Kentaごめん、今は持ってないよ。Gomen, ima wa mottenai yo.Sorry, I don't have one right now.
- 陽葵 Himari誰か予備を持つ人はいないかな。Dareka yobi o motsu hito wa inai kana.I wonder if anyone has a spare.
- 健太 Kenta先生に聞いてみようか。Sensei ni kiite miyou ka.Shall we try asking the teacher?
Sources
- Wiktionary, “have” translations and entries 持つ, ある, いる, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
