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:

緩やかな坂道を登るのは気持ちがいいです。

Yuruyaka na sakamichi wo noboru no wa kimochi ga ii desu

It is pleasant to climb a soft hill.

It is good to climb a smooth slope.

• 緩やかな (yuruyaka na) - smooth, gradual
• 坂道 (sakamichi) - hill, slope
• を (wo) - direct object particle
• 登る (noboru) - climb
• のは (no wa) - Topic particle
• 気持ちがいい (kimochi ga ii) - feel good, pleasant
• です (desu) - Verb to be/estar in the present

土手を歩くのは気持ちがいいです。

Dote wo aruku no wa kimochi ga ii desu

It is pleasant to walk on the embankment.

Walking on the shore is pleasant.

• 土手 - means "margin" or "gully".
• を - object particle.
• 歩く - verb meaning "walk" or "walk".
• の - particle that indicates the nominalization of the previous verb.
• は - Particle that indicates the topic of the sentence.
• 気持ち - noun meaning "feeling" or "sensation".
• が - Particle that indicates the subject of the sentence.
• いい - adjective meaning "good" or "pleasant."
• です - verb that indicates the polite or polite form of the sentence.

何だか気持ちが落ち込む。

Nandaka kimochi ga ochikomu

Somehow

Somehow my feelings are depressed.

• 何だか - means "in some way" or "in some way".
• 気持ち - means "feeling" or "emotion".
• が - Subject particle.
• 落ち込む - means "to be depressed" or "to feel low."

金持ちになりたいです。

Kanemochi ni naritai desu

I want to become rich.

I want to be rich.

• 金持ち - means "rich" in Japanese.
• に - particle that indicates the target or destination of the action.
• なりたい - form of the verb "naru" which means "to become". The form "tai" indicates desire.
• です - Verb "to be" in polite form.

革は丈夫で長持ちする素材です。

Kawa wa jōbu de nagamochi suru sozai desu

Leather is a durable and long lasting material.

• 革 (kawa) - leather
• は (wa) - Topic particle
• 丈夫 (joubu) - resistant, durable
• で (de) - connecting particle
• 長持ちする (nagamochi suru) - last a long time
• 素材 (sozai) - material
• です (desu) - polite way of being

私はこのプロジェクトを受け持ちます。

Watashi wa kono purojekuto wo ukemochi masu

I will be responsible for this project.

I take this project.

• 私 (watashi) - personal pronoun that means "I"
• は (wa) - Particle indicating the topic of the sentence
• この (kono) - demonstrative adjective meaning "this"
• プロジェクト (purojekuto) - katakana word meaning "project"
• を (wo) - Particle indicating the direct object of the sentence
• 受け持ちます (ukemochimasu) - verb meaning "to take responsibility for"

身体が伸びると気持ちが良いです。

Karada ga nobiru to kimochi ga ii desu

It's good to feel the body stretching.

It's good when your body grows.

• 身体が伸びる - the body stretches
• と - connects the previous sentence with the next
• 気持ちが良い - is nice
• です - is

私の気持ちは複雑です。

Watashi no kimochi wa fukuzatsu desu

My feelings are complicated.

My feelings are complicated.

• 私 (watashi) - The personal pronoun that means "I" in Japanese.
• の (no) - particle that indicates possession or relationship between two things
• 気持ち (kimochi) - noun meaning "feeling" or "emotion"
• は (wa) - Particle indicating the topic of the sentence
• 複雑 (fukuzatsu) - adjective meaning "complex" or "complicated"
• です (desu) - verb to be in the polite form

悲しい気持ちがある。

Kanashii kimochi ga aru

I have a sad feeling.

I have a sad feeling.

• 悲しい - sad
• 気持ち - feeling
• が - subject particle
• ある - exist

並木の道を歩くのは気持ちがいいです。

Nammoku no michi wo aruku no wa kimochi ga ii desu

It is pleasant to walk along a tree-lined street.

It is pleasant to walk in the row of trees.

• 並木の道 - Path of aligned trees
• を - object particle
• 歩く - to walk
• のは - Topic particle
• 気持ちがいい - feel good, pleasant
• です - Verb to be/estar in the present