How to Say "Keep" in Japanese

保つ

tamotsu[ta̠mo̞t͡sɨ]

To keep is 保つ (tamotsu) in Japanese.

The verb 保つ (Tamotsu) is used to convey the meaning of 'keep' as in 'to preserve' or 'to maintain' in formal settings.

Meaning: to maintain possession of (verb)

Which one should you use?

保つ (tamotsu) refers to maintaining a continuous state or equilibrium.

tamotsu

In Japanese, 'keeping' a secret involves the verb 守る (mamoru), which literally means 'to protect' or 'to defend'.
The verb 保つ (tamotsu) is a compound of the character for 'hand' and the verb 'to hold'.
While 保つ (tamotsu) is perfect for maintaining a temperature, if you want to 'keep' an object in your possession, you would use 持つ (motsu) or 持っておく (motte oku) instead.

ロジバンでは開発当初より一貫して文化的中立を保つ事が志されています。
In the development of Lojban, efforts were consistently made since the initial phase to keep the language culturally neutral.
This sentence shows how to use 保つ regarding the maintenance of cultural neutrality.
Tatoeba #752149 by arihato, translation #752836 by spockofvulcan
室温を一定に保つ
To keep a room at a fixed temperature
This sentence demonstrates using 保つ to keep a room at a fixed temperature.
Wiktionary
体面を保つ
To keep up appearances
This sentence illustrates the phrase for using 保つ to keep up appearances.
Wiktionary
彼は交渉の円滑さを維持しています。
He keeps the smoothness of the negotiation.

Kenta and Yui are talking about their daily habits in a cafe.

健太 Kenta

毎日、健康的な生活を保っていますか？
Mainichi, kenkoteki na seikatsu o tamotte imasu ka?
Are you maintaining a healthy lifestyle every day?
結衣 Yui

はい、規則正しい生活を保つようにしています。
Hai, kisokutadashii seikatsu o tamotsu yo ni shite imasu.
Yes, I try to maintain a regular lifestyle.
健太 Kenta

それは素晴らしいですね。
Sore wa subarashii desu ne.
That is wonderful.
結衣 Yui

健太さんも、体調には気をつけてくださいね。
Kenta-san mo, taicho ni wa ki o tsukete kudasai ne.
Kenta, please take care of your own health too.

Sources

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