Translation and Meaning of: 持ち - mochi

The word 「持ち」 (mochi) is an interesting expression in the Japanese language, which is rich in meaning and tradition. In etymology, 「持ち」 comes from the verb 「持つ」 (motsu), which means "to hold" or "to possess." The suffix 「ち」 is a nominal form used to indicate a state of "having" or "maintaining." Therefore, the word 「持ち」 was originally more related to the act of holding or possessing something, but over time, this expression evolved to refer to something specific and unique in Japanese culture: the famous sticky rice cake called "mochi."

In Japanese culture, 「餅」 (also read as mochi) refers to the traditional rice dough, known for its sticky texture and mild flavor. Traditionally, mochi is made through a laborious process called mochitsuki, which involves cooking glutinous rice and then repeatedly pounding it in a mortar until the desired consistency is achieved. This practice is not only culinary but also social, as making mochi is a commonly held activity during family gatherings or festivals, symbolizing solidarity and celebration.

Mochi is not just food, but an integral part of many Japanese celebrations and rituals. During the New Year, for example, it is customary to prepare 「鏡餅」 (kagami mochi), an offering made of small stacks of mochi, decorated with tangerines and placed on small altars to attract prosperity and good luck. Similarly, mochi is used in religious ceremonies and autumn festivals, where it is associated with harvest and gratitude.

The versatility of mochi is equally fascinating. It can be consumed plain, grilled, or incorporated into desserts, such as the famous 「大福」 (daifuku), which consists of mochi filled with sweet bean paste. The variations of preparation and consumption of mochi are numerous, and it can be found in different shapes and flavors throughout Japan and beyond, reflecting its popularity not only nationally but also internationally.

Therefore, by exploring the word 「持ち」, we are not only understanding a linguistic aspect of Japanese but also a rich cultural tapestry, where tradition, celebration, and community intertwine through a simple and delicious delicacy. Mochi, in its multiple facets, captures the essence of the Japanese skill to transform simplicity into something profound and multifaceted.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 所有 (shoyuu) - Possession, property
• 手に持つ (te ni motsu) - Hold hands
• 持参する (jisan suru) - Bring with you
• 手元に置く (temoto ni oku) - Put by hand, within reach
• 手元にある (temoto ni aru) - Available
• 手に入れる (te ni ireru) - Obtain, achieve

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持ち

Romaji: mochi
Kana: もち
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n1

Translation / Meaning: 1. Hold; charge; Keep the possession; in charge; 2. wear; durability; life; a tie; 3. Use (SUFF)

Meaning in English: 1. hold;charge;keep possession;in charge; 2. wear;durability;life;draw; 3. usage (suff)

Definition: holding something with their hands.

Example Sentences - (持ち) mochi

See below some example sentences:

クレーンは重い物を持ち上げるために使われる機械です。

Kurēn wa omoi mono o mochiageru tame ni tsukawareru kikai desu

Crane is a machine used to lift heavy objects.

A crane is a machine used to lift heavy objects.

• クレーン (kurēn) - Crane
• は (wa) - Topic particle
• 重い (omoi) - heavy
• 物 (mono) - object, thing
• を (wo) - direct object particle
• 持ち上げる (mochiageru) - lift
• ために (tameni) - in order to
• 使われる (tsukawareru) - be used, be used
• 機械 (kikai) - machine
• です (desu) - to be, to be (polite form)

不安な気持ちがある。

Fuan na kimochi ga aru

I feel a sense of restlessness.

I have anxiety.

• 不安な - adjective that means "restless, anxious, worried"
• 気持ち - noun that means "feeling, emotion"
• が - particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
• ある - verb that means "to exist, to be present"

偉大なる目標を持ち続けることが成功への鍵である。

Idainaaru mokuhyou wo mochitsuzukeru koto ga seikou e no kagi de aru

Having a great goal is the key to continuous success.

Maintaining big goals is the key to success.

• 偉大なる - Great, magnificent
• 目標 - Objective, goal
• を - direct object particle
• 持ち続ける - maintain, continue to have
• こと - abstract noun
• が - subject particle
• 成功 - success
• への - preposition "to"
• 鍵 - key
• である - to be

切ない気持ちが胸に詰まる。

Setsunai kimochi ga mune ni tsumaru

A painful feeling builds up in my chest.

Sad feeling is clogged in my chest.

• 切ない - sad, painful
• 気持ち - Feeling, Emotion
• が - subject particle
• 胸 - Chest
• に - Location particle
• 詰まる - to be full, to be clogged

平常心を持ちましょう。

Heijoushin wo mochimashou

Let's stay calm and serene.

Let's have a normal heart.

• 平常心 - It means "calm mind" or "serene state of mind."
• を - direct object particle.
• 持ちましょう - verb "to have" conjugated in the imperative, meaning "let's have."

彼女は重い荷物を持ち上げた。

Kanojo wa omoi nimotsu o mochiageru

She lifted a heavy load.

She lifted her heavy luggage.

• 彼女 - She
• は - Topic particle
• 重い - Heavy
• 荷物 - Baggage
• を - Direct object particle
• 持ち上げた - Raised

感謝の気持ちを忘れずに生きていきたい。

Kansha no kimochi wo wasurezu ni ikiteikitai

I want to live without forgetting my gratitude.

• 感謝の気持ち - Feeling of gratitude
• を - Particle indicating the direct object of the sentence
• 忘れずに - Without forgetting
• 生きていきたい - I want to live

持ち切りの話題が続いている。

Mochikiri no wadai ga tsuzuite iru

End topic continues.

• 持ち切り - Japanese expression meaning "a topic that continues to be discussed intensely"
• の - Japanese particle indicating possession or connection
• 話題 - Japanese noun meaning "topic" or "subject"
• が - Japanese particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
• 続いている - Japanese verb meaning "continue" or "proceed", conjugated in the present continuous

泡がたくさんある風呂は気持ちがいいです。

Abura ga takusan aru furo wa kimochi ga ii desu

A bubble bath is very pleasant.

A bath with lots of bubbles is good.

• 泡 - bubbles
• たくさん - many
• ある - there are
• 風呂 - bath
• 気持ち - sensation
• いい - good
• です - is

私の気持ちは尖っています。

Watashi no kimochi wa togaratte imasu

My feelings are sharp.

My feelings are clear.

• 私 (watashi) - personal pronoun that means "I"
• の (no) - particle of possession, which indicates that "watashi" is the possessor of something
• 気持ち (kimochi) - noun meaning "feeling" or "emotion"
• は (wa) - thematic particle, which indicates that "kimochi" is the subject of the sentence
• 尖っています (togatte imasu) - compound verb meaning "to be sharp" or "to be pointed"