English–Japanese

“have” in Japanese

Japanese

Also飼う (kau) · 有する (yūsuru) · とる (toru)

Pronunciation

Romajimotsu

Example

傘を持っています。kasa o mo tte i ma su

I have an umbrella.

Illustration for 持つ (have)

How to say “have” in Japanese

“Have” in Japanese is 持つ (motsu). 持つ can also mean “hold”.

Describes something remaining with a person, either as a possession or as an object being carried or held.

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

Example sentences with 持つ

わたしはえんぴつを持ちます。wa ta shi wa e n pi tsu o mo chi ma su

I hold a pencil.

外出するときは、財布を持ちます。gai shutsu su ru to ki wa sai fu o mo chi ma su

I take my wallet with me when I go out.

Tips for using 持つ

  • In everyday Japanese, 持つ (motsu) can describe both possession and carrying, so the surrounding situation often determines which sense is intended.

Other Japanese words for “have”

家で金魚を飼っています。ie de kin gyo o ka tte i ma su

I have goldfish at home.

その会社は多くの特許を有しています。so no gai sha wa ō ku no tok kyo o yū shi te i ma su

That company has many patents.

昼ご飯をとります。hiru go han o to ri ma su

I have lunch.

Related English words

“have” in other languages