Translation and Meaning of: 持つ - motsu

The Japanese word 「持つ」 (motsu) is a verb that means "to hold," "to own," or "to have." This expression is commonly used in everyday Japanese to convey the idea of being in possession of something, whether physical or abstract. The use of 「持つ」 encompasses various situations, from holding an object with one's hands to having an opinion or feeling.

Etymologically, 「持つ」 is composed of the kanji 「持」, which by itself conveys the meaning of "to hold" or "to support." This kanji is formed by two radicals: 「扌」(te-hen), which relates to manual actions, and 「寺」 (tera), which originally means "temple." When combined, they transmit the idea of supporting something with the hands. This combination is a perfect representation of the action of holding, which is central to the meaning of 「持つ」.

The verb 「持つ」 is very versatile in the Japanese language and can be conjugated in different forms to express nuances of time and situation. Some common variations of this verb include 「持った」 (motta), which is the past of "to hold," and 「持っている」 (motte iru), which can be translated as "to be holding" or "to be possessing" in a continuous sense. In the negative form, we find 「持たない」 (motenai), which means "not to hold" or "not to have."

In the cultural context, 「持つ」 can reflect Japanese traditions of valuing what one possesses, whether material, such as handcrafted objects, or immaterial, such as knowledge and experiences. This verb is an integral part of the Japanese language and illustrates well the relationship people have with the things around them, a reflection of Japan's unique worldview.

Vocabulary

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Verb conjugation of 持つ

• 持つ - basic form
• 持っている - Present form
• 持った - past form
• 持って行く - Progressive form

Synonyms and similar words

• 持ちます (Mochimasu) - Have, hold
• 保つ (Tamotsu) - Maintain, preserve (usually focusing on state or condition)
• 手に入れる (Te ni ireru) - Obtain, get (emphasizes the action of acquiring something)
• 手元に置く (Temoto ni oku) - Put within reach, have on hand
• 手に持つ (Te ni motsu) - Hold hands
• 手中に収める (Shuchuu ni osameru) - To have under control, to master something
• 持ち運ぶ (Mochihauka) - Transport, carry (focus on moving something from one place to another)
• 持ち歩く (Mochi aruku) - Carry with you, take (walk with something)
• 携える (Tazusawaru) - Carry along, bear (emphasizes the idea of carrying together)
• 携帯する (Keitai suru) - Charge (usually refers to devices like cell phones)
• 持参する (Jisan suru) - Take along, bring (refers to bringing something on a trip)
• 持ち込む (Mochikomu) - Enter with, bring in (emphasizes the entry)
• 持ち帰る (Mochikaeru) - Bring back, take back (emphasizes the return with something)
• 持ち出す (Mochidasu) - Remove, take out (emphasizes the action of taking out from a place)
• 持ち上げる (Mochiageru) - Lift, raise (emphasizes the action of lifting something)
• 持ち続ける (Mochitsuzukeru) - Continue to have, maintain continuously
• 持ち堪える (Mochitaeru) - Support, endure (emphasizes the idea of hanging on)
• 持ち合わせる (Mochiawaseru) - Be equipped with, have available (refers to having something on hand)

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持つ

Romaji: motsu
Kana: もつ
Type: verb
L: jlpt-n5

Translation / Meaning: to maintain; to possess; to take

Meaning in English: to hold;to possess;to carry

Definition: I have this in my hand.

Example Sentences - (持つ) motsu

See below some example sentences:

この地域は密集した人口密度を持っています。

Kono chiiki wa misshū shita jinkō mitsudo o motte imasu

This area has a dense population density.

This area has a dense population density.

• この - this
• 地域 - region
• は - is
• 密集した - densely populated
• 人口密度 - population density
• を - of
• 持っています - have

この組織は強力な力を持っています。

Kono soshiki wa kyōryoku na chikara o motteimasu

This organization has a powerful force.

This organization has powerful power.

• この - this
• 組織 - organization
• は - Topic particle
• 強力な - strong, powerful
• 力 - strength
• を - direct object particle
• 持っています - Land, possess

議長は会議を主宰する役割を持っています。

Gichou wa kaigi wo shusai suru yakuwari wo motteimasu

The president has the role of leading the meeting.

• 議長 - President
• は - Topic particle
• 会議 - Meeting
• を - Direct object particle
• 主宰する - Preside, lead
• 役割 - Paper, function
• を - Direct object particle
• 持っています - Land, possess

がっちりした握力を持っています。

gacchiri shita akuryoku wo motteimasu

I have a firm footprint.

It has a solid grip.

• がっちりした - adjective that means "firm", "solid", "forte".
• 握力 - Noun that means "gripping force", "grasping force".
• を - particle that indicates the direct object of the sentence.
• 持っています - Verb that means "to have", "to possess".

このデザインは美しいパターンを持っています。

Kono dezain wa utsukushii patān o motte imasu

This design has a beautiful pattern.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this" or "this here"
• デザイン - noun that means "design"
• は - topic particle that indicates the topic of the sentence
• 美しい - adjective meaning "beautiful" or "beautiful"
• パターン - noun meaning "pattern" or "model"
• を - direct object particle indicating the object of the action
• 持っています - verb that means "to have" or "to possess" in the present

この町は栄える未来を持っています。

Kono machi wa sakae ru mirai wo motte imasu

This city has a prosperous future.

• この町 - this city
• は - Topic particle
• 栄える - Prosperar, florescer
• 未来 - future
• を - direct object particle
• 持っています - Land, possess

スーツケースを持って旅行に行く。

Sūtsukēsu o motte ryokō ni iku

Take a trip with a suitcase.

• スーツケース - suitcase
• を - object particle
• 持って - verb "to have" conjugated in the gerund
• 旅行 - trip
• に - target particle
• 行く - verb "to go" conjugated in the present tense

ドライバーを持っていますか？

Doraibā wo motte imasu ka?

Do you have a screwdriver?

Do you have a driver?

• ドライバー (doraibā) - screwdriver
• を (wo) - object particle
• 持っていますか？(motte imasu ka?) - you have?

ピストルを持っている。

Pisutoru wo motte iru

I have a pistol.

• ピストル (pisutoru) - gun
• を (wo) - object particle
• 持っている (motteiru) - Holding

万能な力を持っている。

Bannou na chikara wo motte iru

It has an omnipotent power.

It has a versatile power.

• 万能 (Bannou) - means "omnipotent" or "all-powerful".
• な (na) - a Japanese particle that is used to modify a noun or adjective.
• 力 (chikara) - means "strength" or "power".
• を (wo) - a Japanese particle that indicates the direct object of a sentence.
• 持っている (motteiru) - a verb that means "to have" or "to possess".