Japanese Conversation · Level 74
75 words
Japanese word
抱える
Pronunciation
Romajikakaeru
Meaning
- verbcarry
Example
私は赤ちゃんを抱えます。watashi wa aka cha n o kaka e ma su
I carry the baby in my arms.
More examples
私は両手で荷物を抱えています。watashi wa ryō te de ni motsu o kaka e te i ma su
I am carrying luggage in both hands.
Core concept
Describes holding a person or object close to the body with the arms while carrying it.
Common phrases
子どもを抱えるko do mo o kaka e ru
carry a child
荷物を抱えるni motsu o kaka e ru
carry luggage
Similar words
抱くidaku: To hold a person close in the arms, often in an embrace.
持つmotsu: To hold or carry something with the hands.
抱きかかえるdakikakaeru: To lift and hold a person or object securely in both arms.
Definition in Japanese
腕で人や物を胸元に抱いて持つ。ude de hito ya mono o muna moto ni ida i te mo tsu
Word origin
The origin of native Japanese 抱える (kakaeru) is uncertain, so it is not reliably analyzed as a combination of 抱く (daku, "to hold in one's arms") and える (eru).
Usage tips
- English learners may confuse 抱える (kakaeru) with 抱く (daku), but 抱える commonly highlights supporting or carrying something in the arms, whereas 抱く often highlights an embrace.