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

```

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:

私は惨めな気持ちになります。

Watashi wa mijime na kimochi ni narimasu

I feel miserable.

I feel miserable.

• 私 (watashi) - personal pronoun that means "I"
• は (wa) - topic particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
• 惨めな (mijime na) - adjective meaning "miserable"
• 気持ち (kimochi) - noun meaning "feeling"
• に (ni) - particle that indicates the direction or target of the action
• なります (narimasu) - verb meaning "to become"

私はこのプロジェクトの受け持ちをしています。

Watashi wa kono purojekuto no ukemochi o shiteimasu

I am responsible for this project.

I am in charge of this project.

• 私 (watashi) - personal pronoun that means "I"
• は (wa) - particle that indicates the topic of the sentence, in this case "I"
• この (kono) - demonstrative pronoun that means "this"
• プロジェクト (purojekuto) - noun meaning "project"
• の (no) - particle that indicates possession, in this case "of the project"
• 受け持ち (ukemochi) - noun meaning "responsibility"
• を (wo) - particle indicating the direct object of the sentence, in this case "responsibility"
• しています (shiteimasu) - verb meaning "I'm taking over"

穏やかな気持ちで過ごしたい。

Odayaka na kimochi de sugoshitai

I want to spend my time with a quiet feeling.

I want to spend a calm feeling.

• 穏やかな (Odayakana) - Calm, peaceful
• 気持ち (Kimochi) - Feeling, Emotion
• で (De) - particle that indicates means, form or reason
• 過ごしたい (Sugoshitai) - wanting to pass the time, wanting to live

細やかな気持ちでお返事いたします。

Hosoyaka na kimochi de ohenji itashimasu

I will answer with a detailed feeling.

• 細やかな - delicate, meticulous
• 気持ち - Feeling, Emotion
• で - particle that indicates means, manner
• お返事 - Reply
• いたします - courtesy expression indicating that the speaker will do something

誘惑に負けない強さを持ちたい。

Yuuyoku ni makenai tsuyosa wo mochitai

I want to have the strength not to give in to temptation.

I want to have a strength as good as temptation.

• 誘惑 (yuuwaku) - temptation
• に (ni) - target particle
• 負けない (makenai) - don't lose
• 強さ (tsuyosa) - strength
• を (wo) - direct object particle
• 持ちたい (mochitai) - want to have