Japanese word

持つ

Pronunciation

Romajimotsu

Meaning

  • verbhave, hold

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)

More examples

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.

Core concept

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

Common phrases

  • 傘を持つkasa o mo tsu

    carry an umbrella

  • かばんを持つka ba n o mo tsu

    carry a bag

  • 手に持つte ni mo tsu

    hold in one's hand

Similar words

所有するshoyūsuru: To have something as one's property.
持ち歩くmochiaruku: To carry something around while moving from place to place.

Definition in Japanese

物を自分の手元に置いて保ち、所有・携帯する。mono o ji bun no te moto ni o i te tamo chi sho yū kei tai su ru

Word origin

持つ (motsu, "to hold") is a native Japanese verb whose physical sense extends to having, carrying, or keeping something with oneself.

Usage tips

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

Other meanings

  • carryverb

Opposites

Related words

  • 持ち方mochikataway of holdingnoun

Word lists with this word