持つ
motsu[mo̞t͡sɨ]
The English verb 'hold' can be translated into Japanese, and the default form is 持つ (motsu). Wiktionary also lists 掴む (tsukamu) and 握る (nigiru).
Meaning: to grasp (verb)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 持つ | motsu | [mo̞t͡sɨ] (narrow) |
| 掴む | tsukamu | [t͡sɨka̠mɯ̟] (narrow) |
| 握る | nigiru | [ɲ̟iɡʲiɾɯ̟] (narrow) |
持つ is used for the general act of holding, carrying or possessing something. It also means that something lasts or endures, such as food, weather or a physical state. The idiom 根に持つ is used specifically to describe holding a grudge or nursing a resentment. Relatedly, the noun 船倉 refers to a cargo area.
Which one should you use?
While 持つ is the general term for holding or carrying, other forms specify the manner of the action. 掴む implies a more sudden or forceful action of grabbing or seizing something with the hand. 握る specifically describes gripping or clenching something firmly, such as a hand or a tool.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
motsu
Did you know?
- The word 握る is used specifically for the action of shaping sushi rice by hand, making a sushi chef's skill defined by how they 'hold' the rice.
- If you are 'holding' a grudge in Japanese, you use the idiom 根に持つ, which literally translates to 'keeping it in the roots'.
- While 持つ means to hold or possess, it is also used to describe a person's 'presence' or 'star power' through the phrase 持つ人, meaning someone who possesses a natural charisma.
Examples in context
- 天気は持つかなあ。I wonder if the weather will hold.This sentence is useful for expressing whether the weather will hold using 持つ.Tatoeba #125105 by bunbuku, translation #278888 by CK
- 天気が持つかなあ。I wonder whether the weather will hold.Tatoeba #1063425 by bunbuku, translation #6337162 by CK
- トムは根に持つタイプではない。Tom is not the type to hold a grudge.This sentence is useful for describing someone who does not hold a grudge using 持つ.Tatoeba #8879811 by small_snow, translation #8123459 by Hybrid
- 彼は書類を両手で持っていた。He was holding the documents with both hands.
- 彼は商品を手に取って確認しました。He picked up the item to check it.
- 5 more sentences on Tatoeba
Sources
- Wiktionary, “hold” translations and entries 持つ, 掴む, 握る, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
