抱く
To hold someone or something in your arms, like a hug or a gentle embrace.
Explanation at your level:
Hello! Today we learn 抱く (いだく - idaku). It means to hold someone close in your arms, like a hug. Imagine you hug your mom! You can also hold a baby like this. It feels warm and safe. Sometimes, we use it for feelings too, like holding a happy thought. It's a nice word for showing you care!
The verb 抱く (いだく - idaku) means to hold someone or something in your arms. Think of a gentle hug or cradling a small animal. For example, 赤ちゃんを抱く (akachan o idaku) means to hold a baby. It can also mean to have a feeling or idea, like 希望を抱く (kibou o idaku), which means to have hope. It’s a useful word for both physical actions and expressing inner thoughts.
抱く (いだく - idaku) is a Japanese verb that translates to 'to embrace,' 'to hug,' or 'to hold in one's arms.' It can describe the physical act of holding someone, such as 子供を抱く (kodomo o idaku) – to hold a child. Importantly, it also has a figurative meaning, used for holding abstract concepts like hopes, dreams, or doubts. For example, 夢を抱く (yume o idaku) means 'to harbor a dream.' This duality makes it a rich vocabulary item.
The Japanese verb 抱く (いだく - idaku) signifies a close hold, encompassing both literal embraces and the figurative cherishing of ideas or emotions. Physically, it implies a more sustained or gentle hold than a quick hug, often conveying affection or care, as in 恋人を抱く (koibito o idaku) – to embrace one's lover. Figuratively, it's frequently used with abstract nouns like 希望 (kibou - hope), 疑問 (gimon - doubt), or 野心 (yashin - ambition), indicating the internal holding or harboring of these concepts. Its usage leans towards the more formal or literary side compared to loanwords like ハグ (hagu).
抱く (いだく - idaku) is a nuanced verb denoting an embrace or the internal harboring of abstract concepts. Its physical application suggests a deliberate and often tender act of holding, distinct from a casual hug. Consider its use in literature describing a poignant farewell or a protective gesture. The figurative sense is particularly prevalent, where 抱く attaches to concepts like 感情 (kanjou - emotion), 決意 (ketsui - determination), or 不安 (fuan - anxiety), implying a deep-seated possession or nurturing of these states. Understanding the context is key to discerning whether a physical or psychological embrace is intended.
The verb 抱く (いだく - idaku) offers a profound insight into Japanese expression, extending beyond a simple physical clasp to encompass the deep internalization of sentiments, aspirations, and even abstract notions. Etymologically linked to the concept of holding close to the body, its modern usage retains this core sense. In physical contexts, it often carries connotations of tenderness, protection, or profound connection, particularly in literary or dramatic settings. Its figurative usage is extensive and sophisticated, allowing for the expression of complex psychological states such as 抱負 (houfu - ambition/aspiration), 疑念 (ginen - suspicion), or 愛情 (aijou - affection). Mastery of 抱く involves appreciating its subtle register shifts and its capacity to convey deep emotional and intellectual states, often distinguishing it from more colloquial terms.
Wort in 30 Sekunden
- 抱く (idaku) means to hold in arms or harbor feelings/ideas.
- Used for physical embraces (gentle, emotional) and abstract concepts (hope, doubt).
- Common collocations include 希望を抱く (have hope) and 疑問を抱く (have doubts).
- It's a versatile verb, often more formal/literary than casual 'hug'.
Hey there! Let's dive into the wonderful Japanese verb 抱く (いだく - idaku). This word is all about holding and embracing, and it's used in a few different, but related, ways. Think of it as a warm, comforting action. It can describe the physical act of holding someone or something close, like giving a hug or cradling a baby. But it also has a more figurative meaning, where you can hold onto an idea, a dream, or a feeling. It’s a versatile verb that adds a lot of warmth and depth to your Japanese vocabulary!
When we talk about 抱く, the most common image is that of a physical embrace. Imagine parents holding their child, friends sharing a heartfelt hug, or someone gently holding a pet. It conveys closeness, affection, and protection. The nuance here is often a bit more gentle and sustained than a quick hug (like ハグする - hagu suru), suggesting a deeper connection or a more deliberate act of holding.
Beyond the physical, 抱く is also used to express holding onto abstract concepts. You might hold a hope for the future, harbor a secret ambition, or cherish a particular belief. In these cases, the verb signifies keeping something close to your heart or mind, nurturing it, and not letting it go. This figurative use is quite common and adds a layer of emotional or intellectual depth to the word. So, whether it's a physical hug or a mental embrace, 抱く is a beautiful word to know!
The verb 抱く (いだく - idaku) has a fascinating history rooted in the Japanese language. Its origin can be traced back to older forms of Japanese, where the character 抱 itself carried the meaning of 'to embrace' or 'to hold'. The pronunciation 'idaku' likely evolved over centuries, possibly from older verb conjugations or phonetic shifts common in the development of Japanese.
The character 抱 is composed of the radical 'hand' (手 - te) and the phonetic component 'body' (身 - mi), suggesting the idea of using one's hands to hold one's body, or perhaps holding something close to one's body. This etymological hint perfectly captures the essence of the verb's meaning – a close, personal hold.
Historically, 抱く has always carried both literal and figurative meanings. Ancient Japanese texts show its use in describing physical embraces, as well as in more abstract contexts, like holding onto feelings or intentions. This dual nature has persisted, making it a rich and expressive verb in modern Japanese. It's a great example of how characters and their associated verbs can carry deep cultural and historical layers within them, evolving yet retaining their core meaning over time.
抱く (いだく - idaku) is a versatile verb used in both everyday conversations and more literary contexts. Its primary meaning is to hold someone or something in your arms. For instance, you might say 赤ちゃんを抱く (akachan o idaku) – to hold a baby. It can also be used for hugging a person, like 友達を抱く (tomodachi o idaku) – to hug a friend, though ハグする (hagu suru) is also very common for a casual hug.
The figurative use of 抱く is also very important. You can hold a dream, harbor a hope, or cherish a feeling. For example, 希望を抱く (kibou o idaku) means to have hope, and 疑問を抱く (gimon o idaku) means to have doubts or questions. This abstract usage is common in writing and more formal speech.
When using 抱く, remember it's often followed by the direct object particle を (o). The verb conjugates like a standard Group 1 (godan) verb. For example, the past tense is 抱いた (idaita), and the negative is 抱かない (idakanai). It’s generally considered more formal or literary than the loanword ハグする (hagu suru) for hugging, especially in its figurative sense.
抱く (いだく - idaku) appears in several common Japanese expressions, adding depth and nuance. Here are a few:
- 希望を抱く (kibou o idaku): This is perhaps the most common figurative use, meaning 'to have hope' or 'to cherish a hope'. It implies holding onto a positive expectation for the future. Example: 彼は将来に大きな希望を抱いている。(Kare wa shourai ni ookina kibou o idaitie iru.) - He holds great hope for the future.
- 疑問を抱く (gimon o idaku): This means 'to have doubts' or 'to question something'. It's used when you are uncertain or suspicious about something. Example: その説明には疑問を抱かざるを得なかった。(Sono setsumei ni wa gimon o idakazaru o enakatta.) - I couldn't help but have doubts about that explanation.
- 愛情を抱く (aijou o idaku): To feel affection or love towards someone or something. It's a gentle way of expressing deep fondness. Example: 彼女は彼に深い愛情を抱いていた。(Kanojo wa kare ni fukai aijou o idakite ita.) - She felt deep affection for him.
- 野心を抱く (yashin o idaku): To harbor ambition; to have aspirations. This implies a strong desire to achieve something significant. Example: 若い起業家は大きな野心を抱いている。(Wakai kigyouka wa ookina yashin o idakite iru.) - The young entrepreneur harbors great ambition.
- 罪悪感を抱く (zaiakukan o idaku): To feel guilt or a sense of sin. This expression is used when someone feels responsible for wrongdoing. Example: 彼は嘘をついたことを後悔し、罪悪感を抱いた。(Kare wa uso o tsuita koto o koukai shi, zaiakukan o idaita.) - He regretted lying and felt guilt.
抱く (いだく - idaku) is a Group 1 (godan) verb in Japanese. This means its stem changes in certain conjugations. For example, the negative form is 抱かない (idakanai), the continuative form is 抱いて (idaite), and the past tense is 抱いた (idaita). It’s important to remember these patterns!
The particle を (o) typically follows the object being held or embraced. So, you'll often see structures like [Object] + を + 抱く. For instance, 本を抱く (hon o idaku) – to hold a book.
Pronunciation is straightforward: i-da-ku. Each syllable is pronounced clearly. There isn't a strong stress pattern like in English; rather, the pitch tends to rise slightly and then fall. There are no common English words that rhyme perfectly, but sounds like 'ack-oo' or 'ad-goo' might offer a very loose phonetic similarity, though it's best to focus on the clear Japanese pronunciation.
Fun Fact
The kanji 抱 itself visually suggests holding something close to the body, combining 'hand' and 'body'.
Pronunciation Guide
Sounds like 'ee-dah-koo', with a slight rise and fall in pitch.
Similar to UK, 'ee-dah-koo', clear pronunciation of each syllable.
Common Errors
- Pronouncing it like 'uh-dak'
- Adding an English 'r' sound (e.g., 'idraku')
- Making the 'u' sound too strong or too weak
Rhymes With
Difficulty Rating
Kanji can be challenging, figurative meanings require context.
Conjugations and correct usage of figurative meanings need practice.
Pronunciation is straightforward, but choosing the right word (idaku vs hagu) needs awareness.
Distinguishing figurative vs. literal meaning requires good comprehension.
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Fortgeschritten
Grammar to Know
Godan Verb Conjugation
抱く -> 抱かない, 抱いた, 抱いて
Causative Verbs
抱く -> 抱かせる (to make someone hold)
Passive Verbs
抱く -> 抱かれる (to be held)
Using Particles (を, に)
赤ちゃんを抱く, 心に抱く
Examples by Level
ママは赤ちゃんを抱く。
Mom [topic marker] baby [object marker] hold.
The particle を (o) marks the direct object.
私はテディベアを抱く。
I [topic marker] teddy bear [object marker] hold.
This shows holding an object.
友達を強く抱く。
Friend [object marker] strongly hold.
The adverb 強く (tsuyoku) means 'strongly'.
猫を優しく抱く。
Cat [object marker] gently hold.
The adverb 優しく (yasashiku) means 'gently'.
彼は彼女を抱く。
He [topic marker] her [object marker] hold.
This can mean a romantic embrace.
その人形を抱く。
That doll [object marker] hold.
Simple action of holding an object.
父は私を抱く。
Father [topic marker] me [object marker] hold.
Shows a parent-child embrace.
犬を抱く。
Dog [object marker] hold.
Holding a pet.
母は新しい命を抱くように、赤ちゃんを優しく抱きしめた。
Mother [topic marker] new life [object marker] hold as if, baby [object marker] gently hug-held.
〜ように (youni) means 'as if' or 'like'.
彼は将来への希望を抱いていた。
He [topic marker] future towards hope [object marker] held.
抱いていた (idaite ita) is the past continuous form.
そのニュースを聞いて、彼は不安を抱いた。
That news [object marker] hearing, he [topic marker] anxiety [object marker] held.
不安 (fuan) means anxiety or unease.
彼女は長年の夢を抱いて、この街に来た。
She [topic marker] long-time dream [object marker] holding, this city [object marker] came.
The て-form (抱いて - idaite) connects clauses.
先生は生徒たちを温かく抱いた。
Teacher [topic marker] students [object marker] warmly held.
温かく (atatakaku) means warmly.
その古い人形は、私にたくさんの思い出を抱かせてくれた。
That old doll [topic marker] me [object marker] many memories [object marker] made-hold.
抱かせてくれた (idakasetekureta) is the causative-passive form, 'let me hold/brought to me'.
彼はその計画に疑問を抱いている。
He [topic marker] that plan [object marker] doubt [object marker] holding.
疑問 (gimon) means doubt or question.
彼女は一人で子供を抱いて育てた。
She [topic marker] alone child [object marker] holding raised.
This implies single parenthood.
彼は過去の過ちについて、深い後悔の念を抱いていた。
He [topic marker] past mistakes about, deep regret's feeling [object marker] held.
後悔の念 (koukai no nen) means a sense of regret.
その芸術家は、内に秘めた情熱を作品に抱いている。
That artist [topic marker] internally hidden passion [object marker] works [into] holds.
内に秘めた (uchi ni himeta) means 'hidden within'.
多くの人々が、より良い未来への希望を抱いてこの国にやってきた。
Many people [topic marker] better future towards hope [object marker] holding this country [to] came.
This sentence uses the figurative sense of 'hope'.
彼女の突然の辞任には、多くの憶測が抱かれた。
Her [topic marker] sudden resignation in, many speculations [object marker] were held.
This uses the passive voice (抱かれた - idakareta).
子供の頃、私は宇宙飛行士になるという大きな夢を抱いていた。
Childhood when, I [topic marker] astronaut become saying big dream [object marker] held.
夢を抱く (yume o idaku) is a common collocation for 'to have a dream'.
その事件については、まだ多くの謎が抱かれている。
That incident about, still many mysteries [object marker] are held.
Again, the passive voice is used here.
彼は、長年の友人に対して複雑な感情を抱いていた。
He [topic marker] long-time friend towards complex feelings [object marker] held.
複雑な感情 (fukuzatsu na kanjou) means complex feelings.
この古い家には、家族の温かい思い出が抱かれている。
This old house [in] family's warm memories [object marker] are held.
Another example of the passive voice, emphasizing cherished memories.
その政治家の発言は、国民の間に新たな懸念を抱かせることとなった。
That politician's statement [topic marker] citizens among new concerns [object marker] cause-to-hold became.
抱かせる (idakeru) is the causative form, meaning 'to make someone hold'.
彼女は、長年の研究の末、ついに画期的な発見を抱くにいたった。
She [topic marker] long years research's end, finally groundbreaking discovery [object marker] hold-to came.
〜にいたった (ni itatta) means 'came to do' or 'reached the point of'.
彼は、幼い頃のトラウマから解放されず、常に漠然とした不安を抱えて生きていた。
He [topic marker] childhood trauma from freed not, always vague anxiety [object marker] carrying lived.
抱えて生きる (kakaete ikiru) means 'to live carrying (a burden)'.
その小説は、読者に深い感動と同時に、社会に対する鋭い疑問を抱かせる。
That novel [topic marker] readers [object marker] deep emotion and at the same time, society towards sharp questions [object marker] make-hold.
This uses the causative form 抱かせる (idakeru) effectively.
彼は、成功への強い野心を抱きながらも、その過程で失うものへの恐れも感じていた。
He [topic marker] success towards strong ambition [object marker] holding-while, that process [in] lose things towards fear also felt.
抱きながら (idakinaagara) means 'while holding'.
この地域には、古くから伝わる独自の文化が抱かれている。
This region [in] from ancient times passed-down unique culture [object marker] is held.
Passive voice emphasizing cultural preservation.
彼女の澄んだ瞳には、世間のあらゆる出来事に対する純粋な好奇心が抱かれているようだった。
Her [topic marker] clear eyes [in] world's all events towards pure curiosity [object marker] seems-to-be-held.
This uses a slightly more poetic passive construction.
その提案は、多くの専門家から異論を抱かれたが、最終的には採用された。
That proposal [topic marker] many experts from objections [object marker] were held, but finally was adopted.
異論を抱く (iron o idaku) means 'to hold objections'.
彼は、自身の芸術的信念を揺るぎなく抱き、時代の潮流に抗して独自の表現を追求した。
He [topic marker] his own artistic beliefs [object marker] unshakeably holding, era's trends against unique expression [object marker] pursued.
揺るぎなく抱く (yuruginaku idaku) emphasizes unwavering conviction.
その哲学者によれば、人間は理性だけでなく、根源的な感情をも抱いて生きる存在である。
That philosopher according to, humans reason not only, fundamental emotions also holding live beings are.
根源的な感情を抱く (kongenteki na kanjou o idaku) refers to holding primal emotions.
彼女の文学作品は、読者の心に潜む普遍的な孤独感を巧みに抱き起こす。
Her [topic marker] literary works [topic marker] readers' hearts [in] latent universal loneliness [object marker] skillfully hold-awaken.
抱き起こす (idakiokosu) is a compound verb suggesting awakening or bringing forth.
その会議では、参加者それぞれが異なる視点と、潜在的な懸念を抱えて議論に臨んだ。
That meeting [in] participants each [topic marker] different perspectives and, potential concerns [object marker] carrying discussion [towards] approached.
潜在的な懸念を抱える (senzai teki na kenen o kakaeru) implies carrying hidden worries.
彼は、社会の不条理に対する静かな怒りを抱きながらも、それを表立って表明することはなかった。
He [topic marker] society's absurdity towards quiet anger [object marker] holding-while, it openly express [thing] not did.
静かな怒りを抱く (shizukana ikari o idaku) suggests a deep, contained anger.
この音楽は、聴く者の心に郷愁と希望という相反する感情を同時に抱かせる力を持っている。
This music [topic marker] listeners' hearts [in] nostalgia and hope saying opposing emotions [at the same time] make-hold power has.
抱かせる (idakeru) is used here to describe the music's effect.
その古文書は、失われた王国の歴史的背景に関する貴重な情報を抱いていると推測されている。
That ancient document [topic marker] lost kingdom's historical background regarding valuable information [object marker] holds it is presumed.
抱いている (idaite iru) here implies 'contains' or 'holds information'.
彼は、自己犠牲の精神を美徳と捉え、それを人生の信条として抱き続けた。
He [topic marker] self-sacrifice's spirit [object marker] virtue as perceived, it life's creed as hold-continued.
抱き続けた (idakitsuzuketa) means 'continued to hold' or 'maintained'.
その演出家は、登場人物の内面に渦巻く葛藤や、言語化され難い微妙な感情の襞（ひだ）までも巧みに抱き、観客の深層心理に訴えかけた。
That director [topic marker] characters' inner surfaces [in] swirling conflicts and, verbalization-become difficult subtle emotions' folds (folds) even skillfully holding, audience's deep psychology [to] appealed.
襞 (hida) refers to folds or pleats, metaphorically representing subtle nuances.
彼の詩は、実存的な孤独と宇宙的な憧憬という、一見相反する二つの感情を一つの詩的空間に抱き込んでいる。
His [topic marker] poetry [topic marker] existential loneliness and cosmic longing saying, at first glance opposing two emotions [object marker] one poetic space [into] hold-encompassed.
抱き込んでいる (idakikonde iru) suggests encompassing or embracing within.
その歴史学者は、断片的な史料から失われた文明の息吹を抱き出し、壮大な物語を再構築した。
That historian [topic marker] fragmentary historical materials from lost civilization's breath [object marker] hold-out, grand narrative [object marker] reconstructed.
抱き出す (idakidasu) implies drawing out or bringing forth from within.
彼女の絵画は、見る者の潜在意識に眠る原初的な恐怖と、それらを乗り越えようとする希望の光とを同時に抱かせる。
Her [topic marker] paintings [topic marker] viewers' subconscious [in] dormant primal fears and, them overcome-try hope's light [object marker] at the same time make-hold.
抱かせる (idakeru) is used here to describe the powerful effect of the art.
この楽曲は、聴く者の心象風景に、過ぎ去った日々のノスタルジアと、未来への漠然とした不安とを織り交ぜて抱かせる。
This musical piece [topic marker] listeners' mental landscape [in] passed days' nostalgia and, future towards vague anxiety [object marker] weave-mix hold.
抱かせる (idakeru) again describes the music's evocative power.
その作家は、人間の持つ矛盾した性質、すなわち自己愛と他者への共感を、一つのキャラクターの中に巧みに抱き込んでいる。
That writer [topic marker] humans possess contradictory natures, namely self-love and towards others empathy, [object marker] one character within skillfully hold-encompassed.
抱き込んでいる (idakikonde iru) emphasizes the skillful integration of opposing traits.
この古代の遺物は、かつてこの地を支配した王家の栄華と、その滅亡の悲哀とを物語るかのように、静かにその歴史を抱いている。
This ancient artifact [topic marker] once this land ruled royal family's glory and, its downfall's sorrow [object marker] tell as if, quietly its history [object marker] holds.
抱いている (idaite iru) here implies containing historical significance.
彼は、社会に対する批判精神を抱きつつも、それを建設的な行動へと昇華させるための知恵を模索していた。
He [topic marker] society towards critical spirit [object marker] holding-while, it constructive action towards sublimate for wisdom [object marker] sought.
抱きつつも (idakitsutsumo) means 'while holding (a feeling/idea), yet...'.
Häufige Kollokationen
Idioms & Expressions
"希望を抱く"
To have hope; to cherish a hope for the future.
困難な状況でも、希望を抱き続けることが大切だ。
neutral"疑問を抱く"
To have doubts; to question something.
その説明には誰もが疑問を抱いた。
neutral"夢を抱く"
To harbor a dream; to aspire to something.
彼女は歌手になるという夢を抱いていた。
neutral"愛情を抱く"
To feel affection or love for someone/something.
彼はその保護された子猫に愛情を抱いた。
neutral"野心を抱く"
To have ambition; to aspire greatly.
若い起業家は、世界を変える野心を抱いている。
neutral"罪悪感を抱く"
To feel guilt; to have a sense of wrongdoing.
嘘をついた彼は、強い罪悪感を抱いた。
neutralEasily Confused
Both mean 'to hold' or 'to embrace'.
抱く is primarily about holding *in one's arms* or holding abstract concepts (hope, doubt). 抱きしめる emphasizes a tighter, more forceful hug.
子供を優しく抱く (idaku) vs. 悲しみにくれる友を強く抱きしめる (dakishimeru).
Both can mean 'to hold'.
抱く implies holding *in arms* or holding feelings/ideas. 持つ (motsu) is a general term for holding, carrying, or possessing any object.
赤ちゃんを抱く (idaku) vs. カバンを持つ (motsu).
Both are used for embracing.
抱く is a native Japanese verb, often with emotional depth or for abstract ideas. 抱擁する (houyou suru) is a Sino-Japanese word, generally more formal and literary. ハグする (hagu suru) is a casual loanword.
文学作品では抱くや抱擁するが使われ、日常会話ではハグするが一般的。
Both relate to holding emotions or ideas.
抱く is about holding/harboring feelings or thoughts. 懐く (naku) means 'to become attached to' or 'to feel fondness for', usually used for people/animals developing affection.
希望を抱く (idaku) vs. 子猫が懐く (naku).
Sentence Patterns
Noun + を + 抱く
彼女は夢を抱いた。
Noun + を + 抱いて + Verb
彼は希望を抱いて頑張った。
Noun + が + Noun + を + 抱く
母親が子供を抱いた。
Noun + に + Noun + を + 抱く
彼は彼女に愛情を抱いた。
Noun + を + 抱かせる
その話は不安を抱かせた。
Wortfamilie
Nouns
Verbs
Verwandt
How to Use It
Formality Scale
Häufige Fehler
抱く often implies a more sustained, gentle, or emotionally significant embrace than a quick friendly hug.
You hold a bag with 持つ, but you hold a baby with 抱く. You hold a hope with 抱く, but you hold a position with 持つ.
Like other godan verbs, the final 'u' sound changes.
For example, for 'to understand', you use 理解する (rikai suru), not 抱く.
Figurative uses like 'harboring doubts' are more common in writing or formal speech.
Tips
Sound Association
Think of 'I DA KU' as 'I DARE YOU to hug me!' This helps remember the sound and the action.
Physical vs. Figurative
Always consider context. Is someone physically holding a baby, or are they 'holding' onto a dream? The kanji is the same, but the meaning shifts!
Nuance in Embrace
While ハグする is common for friendly hugs, 抱く often implies a deeper emotional connection or a more deliberate act of holding, especially in literature or serious contexts.
Object Particle
Remember to use the particle を (o) after the thing or person being held: 赤ちゃんを抱く (akachan o idaku).
Clear Syllables
Pronounce each syllable clearly: i-da-ku. Avoid running them together too much.
Don't Overuse for Casual Hugs
For a quick 'hello' hug, ハグする is usually more natural than 抱く.
Kanji Clues
The kanji 抱 combines 'hand' and 'body', visually reinforcing the idea of holding something close.
Contextual Learning
Learn 抱く through example sentences showing both physical holds (baby, friend) and abstract concepts (hope, doubt) to grasp its full range.
Formal vs. Casual
抱く itself can feel slightly more formal or literary than ハグする, especially when referring to abstract concepts.
Verb Group
Remember 抱く is a Group 1 (godan) verb, so its conjugations follow that pattern (e.g., 抱かない, 抱いた).
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Imagine someone 'I-DA-KU'ing a baby tightly.
Visual Association
Picture a mother gently holding her baby, whispering 'Idaku, idaku'.
Word Web
Herausforderung
Try saying 'Idaku!' while giving a pretend hug.
Wortherkunft
Japanese
Original meaning: To hold in the arms, to embrace.
Kultureller Kontext
Physical embraces can be sensitive depending on context and relationship. Figurative uses are generally safe.
In English-speaking cultures, 'hug' is very common for friendly embraces. 'Embrace' can be more formal or intense. 'Hold' is more general. 抱く covers aspects of all these.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
Family and Children
- 赤ちゃんを抱く (akachan o idaku) - To hold a baby
- 子供を抱きしめる (kodomo o dakishimeru) - To hug a child tightly
- 娘を抱っこする (musume o dakko suru) - To carry/hold one's daughter (casual/childish)
Friendships and Relationships
- 友達を抱く (tomodachi o idaku) - To hug a friend
- 恋人を抱く (koibito o idaku) - To embrace one's lover
- 固く抱擁する (kataku houyou suru) - To embrace tightly (formal)
Expressing Feelings/Ideas
- 希望を抱く (kibou o idaku) - To have hope
- 疑問を抱く (gimon o idaku) - To have doubts
- 夢を抱く (yume o idaku) - To harbor a dream
Literature and Art
- 感情を抱く (kanjou o idaku) - To feel an emotion
- 孤独を抱える (kodoku o kakaeru) - To carry loneliness (related, using 抱える)
- 感動を抱かせる (kandou o idakaseru) - To evoke emotion
Conversation Starters
"When was the last time you gave someone a big hug?"
"What's a dream you're currently holding onto?"
"Have you ever had doubts about something important? How did you deal with them?"
"What does 'holding someone close' mean to you?"
"Can you think of a time when holding onto hope was crucial?"
Journal Prompts
Describe a moment you felt truly comforted by an embrace.
Write about a hope or dream you cherish. Why is it important to you?
Reflect on a time you had doubts. What caused them, and how did you resolve them?
How do you express affection physically and emotionally?
Häufig gestellte Fragen
8 Fragen抱く is a general term for holding or embracing, often with emotional nuance or for abstract ideas. 抱きしめる implies a tighter, more forceful hug, emphasizing the physical act of holding someone very close.
Yes, but it's less common than for people or abstract concepts. You might 抱く a large doll or a treasured item, but for everyday objects like bags or books, 持つ (motsu) is more usual.
The physical meaning is understood, but in casual conversation, ハグする (hagu suru) is more frequent for simple hugs. The figurative meanings (hope, doubt, etc.) are common in more thoughtful or formal discussions and writing.
It means to hold, harbor, or cherish that feeling internally. For example, 希望を抱く (kibou o idaku) means to have hope.
The kanji 抱 is composed of the 'hand' radical and 'body' component, visually suggesting the act of holding something close to one's body, which aligns perfectly with the verb's meaning.
Yes! 抱く (idaku) for a gentle or emotional embrace, 抱きしめる (dakishimeru) for a tight hug, and ハグする (hagu suru) as a casual loanword.
Absolutely. You can 抱く doubts (疑問を抱く - gimon o idaku) or anxiety (不安を抱く - fuan o idaku).
It's a Group 1 (godan) verb. The dictionary form is 抱く (idaku), negative is 抱かない (idakanai), past is 抱いた (idaita), te-form is 抱いて (idaite).
Teste dich selbst
お母さんは赤ちゃんを＿＿＿＿。
We use 抱く (idaku) to describe holding a baby.
「希望を抱く」の意味は？ (What does 'kibou o idaku' mean?)
抱く is used figuratively to mean 'to have' or 'to harbor' feelings or abstract concepts like hope.
「抱く」は、軽い挨拶のハグにも使えます。(You can use 'idaku' for a light, greeting hug.)
While possible, ハグする (hagu suru) is more common for casual greetings. 抱く often implies a deeper or more intentional hold.
Word
Bedeutung
Matches the physical and figurative uses of 抱く.
The correct sentence is 「彼は疑問を抱いた。」(Kare wa gimon o idaita.) - He had doubts.
その知らせを聞いて、彼は安堵の気持ちを＿＿＿＿。
安堵の気持ち (ando no kimochi) means 'a feeling of relief', which one 'holds' (抱く).
「抱く」の比喩的な意味で最も近いものは？ (Which is closest in meaning to the figurative sense of 'idaku'?)
The figurative use of 抱く often means to harbor or cherish abstract concepts like feelings, hopes, or doubts.
「抱く」は、常にポジティブな感情に対してのみ使われる。( 'Idaku' is only used for positive emotions.)
It can be used for negative feelings too, like 疑問を抱く (to have doubts) or 不安を抱く (to feel anxious).
The sentence is 「彼は情熱を抱き、作品に注いだ。」(Kare wa jounetsu o idaki, sakuhin ni sosoida.) - He harbored passion and poured it into his work.
その古文書は、失われた文明の秘密を＿＿＿＿ていると推測される。
抱いている (idaite iru) implies containing or holding secrets in a profound sense, fitting for ancient documents.
Ergebnis: /10
Summary
Whether holding a baby close or cherishing a dream, 抱く (idaku) signifies a deep connection, either physical or emotional.
- 抱く (idaku) means to hold in arms or harbor feelings/ideas.
- Used for physical embraces (gentle, emotional) and abstract concepts (hope, doubt).
- Common collocations include 希望を抱く (have hope) and 疑問を抱く (have doubts).
- It's a versatile verb, often more formal/literary than casual 'hug'.
Sound Association
Think of 'I DA KU' as 'I DARE YOU to hug me!' This helps remember the sound and the action.
Physical vs. Figurative
Always consider context. Is someone physically holding a baby, or are they 'holding' onto a dream? The kanji is the same, but the meaning shifts!
Nuance in Embrace
While ハグする is common for friendly hugs, 抱く often implies a deeper emotional connection or a more deliberate act of holding, especially in literature or serious contexts.
Object Particle
Remember to use the particle を (o) after the thing or person being held: 赤ちゃんを抱く (akachan o idaku).
Beispiel
母親は赤ちゃんを優しく抱いた。
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