Japanese word

持てる

Pronunciation

Romajimoteru

Meaning

  • verbcan hold

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)

More examples

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.

Core concept

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

Common phrases

  • 片手で持てるkata te de mo te ru

    can hold with one hand

  • 一人で持てるhito ri de mo te ru

    can carry alone

Definition in Japanese

物を手や腕で支えたり運んだりすることができる。mono o te ya ude de sasa e ta ri hako n da ri su ru ko to ga de ki ru

Word origin

持てる (moteru) is the native Japanese potential form of 持つ (motsu, "to hold or carry"), formed with the potential ending -eru for a godan verb.

Usage tips

  • 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.

Other meanings

  • can carryverb

Related words

  • 持ち方mochikataway of holdingnoun
  • 持ち手mochitehandlenoun

Word lists with this word