English–Japanese

“can hold” in Japanese

Japanese

Pronunciation

Romajimoteru

Example

私はこの箱を片手で持てます。watashi wa ko no bako o kata te de mo te ma su

I can hold this box in one hand.

Illustration for 持てる (can hold)

How to say “can hold” in Japanese

“Can hold” in Japanese is 持てる (moteru).

Describes the ability to keep an object supported by the hands or arms, either in place or while moving it.

Full entry for 持てる: usage tips, similar words and word origin

Example sentences with 持てる

この軽い傘なら、子どもでも持てます。ko no karu i kasa na ra ko do mo de mo mo te ma su

Even a child can hold this light umbrella.

Tips for using 持てる

  • The question これ持てる？ (kore moteru) naturally asks whether someone can hold or carry an object, with context showing which English verb fits.

“can hold” in other languages