How to Say "To Have" in Japanese

持つ

motsu[mo̞t͡sɨ]

The Japanese phrase for "to have" is 持つ (motsu).

持つ is used to express the action of holding or possessing something in one's hand, owning an object, having a quality or possessing skills.

How do you pronounce it?

motsu

While 持つ (motsu) means 'to hold' or 'to possess', Japanese speakers often prefer using the verb ある (aru) or いる (iru) to express 'having' something, depending on whether the object is inanimate or a living being.
The word 持つ is used in the expression 持ち味 (mochiaji), which refers to a person's unique characteristic or a food's inherent flavor.
The various forms of 持つ (motsu) are spread across the Ryukyuan languages, such as Okinawan 'muchun' and Miyako 'mutsi', showing how the word evolved differently across the islands.

持つべきものは友よ友！
A thing you ought to have is friends, buddy!
This sentence is useful for illustrating the phrase 持つ.
Tatoeba #10303774 by small_snow, translation #10306088 by terrywallwork
知的好奇心を持つことは重要だ。
It is important to have intellectual curiosity.
This sentence shows how to use 持つ regarding qualities.
Tatoeba #127033 by KK_kaku_, translation #277057 by bluepie88
大切なのは自分の趣味を持つことです。
The important thing is to have your own hobby.
This sentence demonstrates the use of 持つ in the context of hobbies.
Tatoeba #137438 by bunbuku, translation #275798 by CM
彼は猫を持っています。
He has a cat.
図書館にはたくさんの本があります。
There are many books in the library.
彼、バイク持ってるよ。
He has a motorbike.
7 more sentences on Tatoeba

Two friends are talking about what to bring to a picnic.

陽葵 Himari

重い荷物を持つのは大変だよ。
Omoi nimotsu o motsu no wa taihen da yo.
Carrying heavy luggage is hard.
大翔 Hiroto

大丈夫、僕が持つよ。
Daijoubu, boku ga motsu yo.
It's okay, I will hold it.
陽葵 Himari

ありがとう、大翔くん。
Arigatou, Hiroto-kun.
Thank you, Hiroto.
大翔 Hiroto

いいえ、任せて。
Iie, makasete.
No problem, leave it to me.

Sources

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