もつ — visual vocabulary card
A1 verb #2,200 رایج‌ترین 5 دقیقه مطالعه

もつ

This verb means to hold, carry, or possess something.

Explanation at your level:

Hello! The word もつ (motsu) is a Japanese verb. It means you hold something or carry something. For example, you can hold a pen (ペンを持つ - pen o motsu). Or you can carry a bag (かばんを持つ - kaban o motsu). It’s like when you have something in your hands. You can also use it to say you have something, like a key (かぎを持つ - kagi o motsu). It's a very useful word for talking about everyday things!

The Japanese verb もつ (motsu) is used to express the idea of holding, carrying, or possessing something. It's a fundamental verb for describing actions. For instance, you might hold an umbrella (傘を持つ - kasa o motsu) when it rains, or carry your school bag (かばんを持つ - kaban o motsu) to school. It can also refer to having something, like having a ticket (チケットを持つ - chiketto o motsu) for a movie. The verb is quite common and appears in many simple sentences describing physical actions and ownership.

もつ (motsu) is a core Japanese verb meaning 'to hold', 'to carry', or 'to possess'. It's used in a wide range of contexts, from simple physical actions to more abstract concepts. You'll often see it paired with objects you are holding or carrying, such as kasa o motsu (傘を持つ - to hold an umbrella) or nimotsu o motsu (荷物を持つ - to carry luggage). It can also describe possession of items like keys (鍵を持つ - kagi o motsu) or qualifications (資格を持つ - shikaku o motsu). Understanding もつ is key to describing many daily activities and states of having.

The verb もつ (motsu) signifies 'to hold', 'to carry', or 'to possess'. Its usage extends beyond simple physical actions to encompass abstract notions like holding plans (予定を持つ - yotei o motsu) or qualifications (資格を持つ - shikaku o motsu). In more formal contexts, it can imply bearing responsibility (責任を持つ - sekinin o motsu) or holding a specific position. Collocations like te o motsu (手を<0xE6><0x8C><0x81>つ - to hold hands) or chizu o motsu (地図を持つ - to hold a map) are common. Nuance in meaning is often derived from the object being held or carried, ranging from tangible items to intangible concepts.

もつ (motsu) serves as a fundamental verb for 'holding', 'carrying', and 'possessing', with applications spanning physical, abstract, and even metaphorical domains. Beyond its literal meanings, it can denote the bearing of responsibility (責任を持つ - sekinin o motsu), the possession of qualifications (資格を持つ - shikaku o motsu), or the maintenance of a particular state or condition. Its idiomatic usage, such as in imi o motsu (意味を持つ - to have meaning), highlights its semantic flexibility. Understanding the appropriate particle usage (typically を) and the semantic field of the object is crucial for mastering its nuanced applications in formal and literary contexts.

The verb もつ (motsu), originating from classical Japanese, embodies the core concepts of 'holding', 'carrying', and 'possessing'. Its semantic range is extensive, encompassing the physical manipulation of objects, the abstract retention of information or qualifications, and the idiomatic expression of responsibility, meaning, or opportunity. Etymologically linked to older forms denoting grasp and retention, もつ has evolved to serve as a vital lexical item across registers. Its application in phrases like sekinin o motsu (責任を持つ - to bear responsibility) or chizu o motsu (地図を持つ - to hold a map) demonstrates its utility in both concrete and figurative language. Mastery involves appreciating its historical depth and its capacity to convey subtle shades of meaning in sophisticated discourse.

واژه در 30 ثانیه

  • もつ (motsu) is a versatile verb meaning 'to hold', 'to carry', or 'to possess'.
  • It's used for both physical objects and abstract concepts like qualifications or responsibilities.
  • Common collocations include 傘を持つ (hold umbrella) and 責任を持つ (take responsibility).
  • Mastering もつ is crucial for describing everyday actions and states in Japanese.

Hey there! Let's dive into the super useful Japanese verb もつ (motsu). This word is a workhorse, meaning it pops up in tons of situations! At its core, もつ means to hold, to carry, or to possess. Think about holding a pen, carrying a bag, or even possessing a certain skill. It’s all about having something with you or in your control. We'll explore how this simple verb can express so many different ideas, from the physical act of carrying an umbrella to the more abstract idea of having a reservation. Get ready to add a fantastic verb to your Japanese toolkit!

Imagine you're at a party and you're holding a drink. That's もつ! Or maybe you're heading to the beach and you're carrying a towel and a book. Yep, that's もつ too! It can even mean to keep something, like possessing a ticket for a concert. It’s a fundamental verb that helps you describe everyday actions and states of being. So, whether it's something you're physically grasping or something you own, もつ is the word you'll often reach for.

The verb もつ (motsu) has deep roots in the Japanese language, tracing back to ancient times. Its origin is generally believed to come from the classical Japanese verb motu, which itself likely evolved from even older forms related to holding and carrying. It’s closely related to the verb mou (more), which also carries meanings related to having or possessing, highlighting a shared semantic field in early Japanese.

Interestingly, the concept of 'holding' or 'carrying' is fundamental across languages, and もつ fits perfectly into this universal linguistic pattern. While it doesn't have direct cognates in unrelated languages like English, its function is mirrored in words like 'hold', 'carry', and 'possess'. The evolution of もつ reflects how language develops to express increasingly nuanced ideas about possession and physical interaction. Over centuries, it has remained a core verb, adapting its usage but retaining its essential meaning. Its longevity speaks to its fundamental role in describing human interaction with objects and concepts.

もつ (motsu) is incredibly versatile, showing up in countless everyday situations. You'll most commonly hear it used to describe physically holding or carrying items. For instance, kasa o motsu (傘を持つ) means 'to hold an umbrella', and nimotsu o motsu (荷物を持つ) means 'to carry luggage'. It's also used for possessing things, like tsūhan de katta mono o motsu (通販で買った物を持つ) - 'to possess something bought by mail order'.

Beyond the physical, もつ can also refer to holding abstract things. You might hear yotei o motsu (予定を持つ) - 'to have plans', or shikaku o motsu (資格を持つ) - 'to possess a qualification'. In formal settings, it can even mean to hold a position or responsibility, like taishi o motsu (大使を持つ) - 'to hold the post of ambassador'. The context is key! Remember, it's generally neutral in formality, but can lean slightly more formal when discussing qualifications or official roles.

While もつ itself is a straightforward verb, it appears in several common Japanese expressions that add color to the language. These idioms often extend the core meaning of 'holding' or 'possessing' into more figurative territory.

  • 手ぶらで持つ (tebura de motsu): Literally 'to hold empty-handed', this idiom means to bring nothing with you, especially when visiting someone's home. Example: Ojae ni iku toki, tebura de motsu no wa ikemasen. (お邪魔に行く時、手ぶらで持つのはいけません。) - It's not good to go empty-handed when visiting someone.
  • 責任を持つ (sekinin o motsu): This means 'to take responsibility' or 'to bear responsibility'. It's a very common and important phrase. Example: Kono shigoto ni sekinin o motsu koto ni shimashita. (この仕事に責任を持つことにしました。) - I decided to take responsibility for this job.
  • 意味を持つ (imi o motsu): To have meaning; to signify. This is used when something is important or symbolic. Example: Kono furudei tokei wa watashi ni totte ookina imi o motte imasu. (この古い時計は私にとって大きな意味を持っています。) - This old watch holds great meaning for me.
  • チャンスを持つ (chansu o motsu): To have a chance or opportunity. Example: Moshi ii chansu o motta ra, zettai ni ikasu beki desu. (もし良いチャンスを持ったら、絶対に活かすべきです。) - If you have a good chance, you should definitely make the most of it.
  • 立場を持つ (tachiba o motsu): To have a standpoint or position; to have a perspective. Example: Daremo ga jibun no tachiba o motsu koto ga daiji desu. (誰もが自分の立場を持つことが大事です。) - It's important for everyone to have their own standpoint.

As a Group 1 verb (a 'u'-verb), もつ conjugates in a predictable way. Its polite form is 持ちます (mochimasu), and its past tense is 持った (motta). The negative form is 持たない (motanai). When used with particles, it often follows the direct object with the particle を (o), like in kasa o motsu (傘を持つ - to hold an umbrella).

Pronunciation-wise, もつ is straightforward. The 'mo' sound is like in 'more', and the 'tsu' sound is a quick, sharp sound, similar to the 'ts' in 'cats'. It's not a difficult sound for most English speakers to master. The stress is fairly even across the syllables. Rhyming words aren't a major feature of Japanese pronunciation in the same way as English, but words ending in '-otsu' or '-tsu' might share a similar final sound.

Fun Fact

The verb もつ is one of the most fundamental verbs in Japanese, existing in some form since the earliest recorded stages of the language. Its core meaning of physical possession or interaction with objects has remained remarkably stable.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /mɔt͡sɯ/

Sounds like 'mott-soo', with the 'tsu' being a quick, sharp sound.

US /mɔt͡sɯ/

Similar to British pronunciation, 'mott-soo', the 'tsu' is like the end of 'cats'.

Common Errors

  • Pronouncing 'tsu' too softly or like 'choo'.
  • Adding an unnecessary vowel sound after 'tsu'.
  • Incorrectly stressing the syllables (Japanese stress is relatively flat).

Rhymes With

打つ (utsu - to hit) 立つ (tatsu - to stand) 知る (shiru - to know) - shares final vowel sound 書く (kaku - to write) - shares final vowel sound 読む (yomu - to read) - shares final vowel sound

Difficulty Rating

خواندن 2/5

Common verb, easily recognizable in text.

Writing 2/5

Basic usage is straightforward, but nuances require practice.

Speaking 2/5

Pronunciation is manageable, but using it naturally in various contexts takes time.

شنیدن 2/5

Frequently heard, context usually makes meaning clear.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

particle を (o) polite verb ending ます (masu)

Learn Next

抱える (kakaeru) 携える (tazusaeru) 所持する (shoji suru)

پیشرفته

持ち主 (mochinushi) 持ち物 (chimotsu) 持ち味 (mochimi)

Grammar to Know

Direct Object Marker を (o)

傘 + を + 持つ

Verb Conjugation: Te-form

持つ -> 持って (motte)

Using ~ている (-te iru) for states/possession

資格を持っている (shikaku o motte iru)

Examples by Level

1

ペン を もちます。

pen (object) hold (polite)

Object + を + Verb

2

かばん を もって います。

bag (object) carrying (progressive)

Progressive tense -te iru

3

かぎ を もちますか。

key (object) hold (polite)?

Question formation with か

4

はい、かぎ を もっています。

yes, key (object) have (progressive)

Answering yes/no questions

5

わたし は ほん を もちます。

I (topic) book (object) hold

Topic marker は

6

その かさ を もって ください。

that umbrella (object) carry (please)

Request with ~てください

7

なに を もちますか。

what (object) hold?

Question word 何

8

つよい ひと が もちます。

strong person (subject) hold

Subject marker が

1

彼は重い荷物を持っています。

He (subject) heavy luggage (object) is carrying.

Using ~ています for ongoing actions

2

傘を持っていきましょう。

Umbrella (object) carrying (let's go).

Suggesting an action with ~ましょう

3

この箱は私が持ちます。

This box (topic) I (subject) will carry.

Emphasizing the subject with が

4

彼は特別な資格を持っています。

He (subject) special qualification (object) possesses.

Possessing abstract items

5

その古い鍵は誰が持っていますか?

That old key (topic) who (subject) possesses?

Asking about possession with 誰が

6

会議で重要な役割を持ちました。

Meeting (in) important role (object) held (past).

Past tense of もつ for holding roles

7

彼女はいつも笑顔を持っています。

She (subject) always smile (object) has.

Figurative possession (smile)

8

この地図を持っていれば、迷いません。

This map (object) if carrying, will not get lost.

Conditional sentence with ~れば

1

このバッグはとても丈夫で、たくさんの物を入れることができます。

This bag (topic) very durable, (and) many things (object) can put in.

Describing capacity using もつ implicitly

2

彼は長年の経験を持っているので、この仕事に適任です。

He (subject) many years' experience (object) possesses, so this job (for) suitable.

Possessing experience

3

会議の資料を配布する係は私が持ちます。

Meeting materials (object) distribute duty (topic) I (subject) will take.

Taking on a duty or role

4

その提案は、我々のチームにとって大きな意味を持つだろう。

That proposal (topic), our team (for) big meaning (object) will hold.

Having significance or meaning

5

パスポートを持たずに海外へ行くことはできません。

Passport (object) without carrying, overseas (to) go (cannot do).

Negative construction with もつ

6

彼は常に冷静さを保ち、プレッシャーの中でも落ち着いて対処する。

He (subject) always calmness (object) maintains, pressure (even in) calmly deals with.

Idiomatic use: maintaining a quality

7

この古い家には、たくさんの思い出が詰まっている。

This old house (in), many memories (object) are packed.

Figurative possession: memories

8

もし成功のチャンスがあれば、それを逃さず掴むべきだ。

If success's chance (object) have, it (object) not letting go grab should.

Seizing an opportunity

1

このプロジェクトを成功させるには、各メンバーが責任を持つことが不可欠だ。

This project (object) make successful (to), each member (subject) responsibility (object) holds (that) essential.

Taking responsibility (責任を持つ)

2

彼は長年の研究を経て、ついに画期的な発見をする資格を持った。

He (subject) many years' research through, finally groundbreaking discovery (object) make qualification (object) possessed.

Possessing a qualification/right

3

その芸術作品は、見る者に深い感動を与える力を持っている。

That artwork (topic), viewer (to) deep emotion (object) give power (object) possesses.

Possessing the power to evoke emotion

4

彼女は常に公平な立場を保ち、議論の両側面を考慮に入れる。

She (subject) always fair position (object) maintains, argument's both sides (object) consider put in.

Maintaining a stance (立場を持つ)

5

この古い書物には、失われた古代文明に関する貴重な情報が含まれている可能性がある。

This old book (in), lost ancient civilization regarding valuable information (object) is contained possibility (object) possesses.

Figurative possession: containing information

6

彼は予期せぬ困難に直面しても、決して希望を失わない精神力を持っている。

He (subject) unexpected difficulties face even, never hope (object) lose spirit/mental strength (object) possesses.

Possessing inner strength

7

この地域は、豊かな自然と歴史的な遺産を併せ持っている。

This region (topic), rich nature and historical heritage (object) together possesses.

Possessing multiple qualities

8

もしこの機会を活かすことができれば、彼のキャリアは大きく前進するだろう。

If this opportunity (object) utilize (can do if), his career (topic) greatly advance will.

Utilizing an opportunity (chance)

1

その政治家は、国民からの信頼という最も重要な資産を保持している。

That politician (topic), citizens from trust (as) most important asset (object) holds.

Possessing intangible assets like trust

2

この複雑な問題に対する彼の見解は、独自の視点を持っている。

This complex problem towards his view (topic), unique perspective (object) possesses.

Having a unique perspective

3

世代を超えて受け継がれてきた伝統は、我々の文化に深い根を持っている。

Generations across passed down tradition (topic), our culture (in) deep roots (object) possesses.

Metaphorical possession: deep roots

4

彼は、どんな状況下でも冷静沈着さを失わないという、類まれな精神的強靭さを持っている。

He (subject), any situation under even calm composure (object) not lose (as) rare mental toughness (object) possesses.

Possessing exceptional qualities

5

この文書は、当時の社会状況を理解する上で極めて重要な手がかりを持っている。

This document (topic), that time's social situation (object) understand in extremely important clue (object) possesses.

Holding clues or evidence

6

彼女は、表面的な成功の裏に、計り知れない努力と犠牲を払ってきた歴史を持っている。

She (subject), superficial success's behind, immeasurable effort and sacrifice (object) paid history (object) possesses.

Possessing a history of effort

7

この建築様式は、西洋と東洋の美学が融合した、独特の魅力を有している。

This architectural style (topic), Western and Eastern aesthetics (object) fused (as), unique charm (object) possesses.

Possessing a unique blend of characteristics

8

その作家は、人間の心理の深淵を覗き込み、それを巧みに表現する能力を持っている。

That author (topic), human psychology's abyss (object) peer into, it skillfully express ability (object) possesses.

Possessing the ability to explore complex themes

1

その古代遺跡が保持している情報は、我々の文明の起源に関する通説を覆す可能性を秘めている。

That ancient ruin (subject) holds (that) information (topic), our civilization's origin regarding conventional theory (object) overturn possibility (object) contains.

Holding information that challenges established theories

2

彼は、長年にわたる孤独な探求の末、宇宙の真理の一端を掴むという、稀有な境地に達した。

He (subject), many years' lonely pursuit's end, universe's truth's one part (object) grasp (as), rare state/level (object) reached.

Reaching a rare state of understanding

3

この文学作品は、人間の存在意義に対する根源的な問いを内包しており、読者に深い思索を促す。

This literary work (topic), human existence's meaning towards fundamental question (object) contains, reader (to) deep contemplation (object) prompts.

Containing fundamental questions about existence

4

彼女の芸術は、西洋的な合理主義と東洋的な神秘主義が交錯する地点に立ち、独自の哲学を体現している。

Her art (topic), Western rationalism and Eastern mysticism (object) intersect (at) point (at) stand, unique philosophy (object) embodies.

Embodying a unique philosophy at a confluence

5

その失われた都市の遺構は、我々が想像する以上に高度な文明を保持していた証拠を物語っている。

That lost city's ruins (topic), we (subject) imagine more than advanced civilization (object) possessed evidence (object) tells.

Bearing evidence of a sophisticated civilization

6

彼は、言葉の表面的な意味を超えて、その背後にある人間の普遍的な感情や経験を捉える洞察力を持っている。

He (subject), words' superficial meaning beyond, its behind existing human's universal emotions and experiences (object) capture insight (object) possesses.

Possessing insight into universal human experiences

7

この歴史的文書は、単なる記録に留まらず、当時の人々の精神性や世界観を色濃く反映している。

This historical document (topic), mere record (in) not stopping, that time's people's spirituality and worldview (object) strongly reflects.

Reflecting the spirit and worldview of an era

8

その哲学者は、既成概念にとらわれず、存在の本質に迫る独自の思考体系を構築した。

That philosopher (topic), established concepts by not bound, existence's essence (towards) approach unique thought system (object) constructed.

Constructing a unique system of thought

ترکیب‌های رایج

傘を持つ (kasa o motsu)
荷物を持つ (nimotsu o motsu)
手を持つ (te o motsu)
鍵を持つ (kagi o motsu)
資格を持つ (shikaku o motsu)
責任を持つ (sekinin o motsu)
意味を持つ (imi o motsu)
予定を持つ (yotei o motsu)
チャンスを持つ (chansu o motsu)
立場を持つ (tachiba o motsu)

Idioms & Expressions

"手ぶらで持つ (tebura de motsu)"

To come empty-handed; to bring nothing.

友達の家に行くのに手ぶらで持つのは失礼だ。

casual

"責任を持つ (sekinin o motsu)"

To take responsibility; to bear responsibility.

自分の行動には責任を持たなければならない。

neutral

"意味を持つ (imi o motsu)"

To have meaning; to signify.

この古い写真は私にとって特別な意味を持っている。

neutral

"チャンスを持つ (chansu o motsu)"

To have an opportunity; to get a chance.

もしチャンスを持ったら、それを最大限に活かしなさい。

neutral

"立場を持つ (tachiba o motsu)"

To have one's own standpoint or position.

議論では、自分の立場を持つことが重要だ。

neutral

"体裁を持つ (teisai o motsu)"

To maintain appearances; to look respectable.

たとえ貧しくても、体裁を持つように努めた。

formal

Easily Confused

もつ vs 盛る (moru)

Similar pronunciation, especially the 'moru' part.

もつ (motsu) means to hold/carry/possess. 盛る (moru) means to serve food, flourish, or pile up.

料理を盛る (ryōri o moru - to serve food) vs. 料理を持つ (ryōri o motsu - to hold food).

もつ vs 保つ (tata(tsu))

Both relate to maintaining or keeping something.

もつ (motsu) is primarily about holding/carrying/possessing. 保つ (tata(tsu)) means to maintain, preserve, or keep (a state, condition, etc.).

健康を保つ (kenkō o tata(tsu) - to maintain health) vs. 健康を持つ (kenkō o motsu - less common, implies possessing health).

もつ vs 持つ (motsu) vs. 抱える (kakaeru)

Both can mean 'to carry' or 'to hold'.

もつ is general. 抱える often implies holding something in one's arms or dealing with burdens/problems.

荷物を持つ (nimotsu o motsu - carry luggage) vs. 問題を抱える (mondai o kakaeru - deal with problems).

もつ vs 持つ (motsu) vs. 掴む (tsukamu)

Both involve physical contact with an object.

もつ is to hold/possess. 掴む means to grasp or seize firmly.

ボールを持つ (bōru o motsu - hold a ball) vs. ボールを掴む (bōru o tsukamu - grasp a ball).

Sentence Patterns

A1

Noun (Object) + を + もつ

傘を傘。

A1

Subject + は/が + Noun (Object) + を + もつ

私は鍵を持つ。

A2

Noun (Object) + を + 持っている (te iru form)

資格を持っている。

B1

Noun (Abstract) + を + 持つ

責任を持つ。

B1

Noun (Abstract) + を + 持つ

意味を持つ。

خانواده کلمه

Nouns

持ち主 (mochinushi) Owner; holder.
持ち物 (chimotsu) One's belongings; possessions.

Verbs

持つ (motsu) To hold, carry, possess.
持たせる (motsaseru) To let someone hold/carry; to make someone possess.
持たれる (motareru) To be held/carried/possessed (passive).
持ち上がる (mochiagaru) To be lifted up; to arise.

مرتبط

持ち (mochi) Noun form, often used in compounds (e.g., 持ち味 - mochimi - unique flavor/quality).

How to Use It

Formality Scale

持っております (motte orimasu) - Very formal, humble 持ちます (mochimasu) - Polite, standard 持つ (motsu) - Plain, casual 持ってる (motteru) - Very casual, colloquial

اشتباهات رایج

Using もつ for abstract concepts where other verbs are more natural. Use verbs like 考える (kangaeru - to think), 感じる (kanjiru - to feel), or 知る (shiru - to know) for abstract mental states.
While もつ can mean 'to possess' abstractly (like 'qualifications'), it's not suitable for all mental states. For instance, you don't 'hold' happiness (幸福を持つ), you 'feel' it (幸福を感じる).
Confusing もつ (motsu) with 盛る (moru). もつ (motsu) means to hold/carry/possess. 盛る (moru) means to serve (food), to flourish, or to pile up.
The pronunciation is similar but the meanings are entirely different. Context is crucial to distinguish them.
Overusing もつ for 'having' in the sense of 'eating' or 'drinking'. Use 食べる (taberu - to eat) or 飲む (nomu - to drink).
You don't 'hold' a meal (食事を持つ); you 'eat' it (食事を食べる). Similarly, you 'drink' (飲む) beverages.
Incorrect conjugation, especially the past tense. The past tense is 持った (motta), not 持いた (moita) or other variations.
The -tta ending for Group 1 verbs can be tricky. Practice is key.
Using もつ where 抱える (kakaeru) is more appropriate. Use 抱える for carrying something in one's arms or for dealing with problems/responsibilities.
While both can mean 'carry' or 'hold', 抱える often implies a more involved or burdensome holding. For example, '抱える問題' (kakaeru mondai - problems one is dealing with) is more common than '持つ問題' (motsu mondai).

Tips

💡

Memory Palace Trick

Visualize a grand library. In the 'M' section, find a librarian named 'Motsu' who is holding (motsu) a stack of books, carrying a map, and possessing a special key to a secret room.

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When Native Speakers Use It

Listen for もつ when people talk about carrying shopping bags, holding tools, possessing documents like passports, or even taking on responsibilities at work.

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Cultural Insight

In Japan, it's polite to bring a small gift when visiting someone's home. Bringing nothing ('手ぶらで持つ') is generally considered impolite, highlighting the cultural importance of 'possessing' something to offer.

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Grammar Shortcut

Remember the pattern: [Object] + を + もつ. This is your go-to structure for most physical 'holding' and 'carrying' situations.

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Say It Right

Focus on the 'tsu' sound. It's sharp and quick, like the end of 'cats'. Practice saying 'motsu' clearly and distinctly.

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Don't Make This Mistake

Avoid using もつ for 'eating' or 'drinking'. Use 食べる (taberu) and 飲む (nomu) instead. You don't 'hold' food, you 'eat' it!

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Did You Know?

The verb もつ is related to the noun 持ち (mochi), which appears in many compound words, like 持ち味 (mochimi - unique flavor/quality) or 持ち主 (mochinushi - owner).

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Study Smart

Create flashcards with different objects (umbrella, key, bag) on one side and もつ on the other. Practice making sentences like '傘を持つ', '鍵を持つ', '荷物を持つ'.

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Idiom Tip

Pay attention to phrases like 責任を持つ (sekinin o motsu - to take responsibility). Mastering these idiomatic uses will significantly boost your fluency.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Imagine someone 'mow'-ing the lawn while 'tsu'-ing (chewing) gum – they are holding the mower and the gum!

Visual Association

Picture a person firmly holding a large bag (荷物 - nimotsu) with both hands.

Word Web

Hold Carry Possess Own Grasp Manage Responsibility Luggage Umbrella Key Qualification

چالش

Try describing 5 things you are currently holding or carrying using もつ.

ریشه کلمه

Japanese

Original meaning: To grasp, to hold, to carry.

بافت فرهنگی

No particular cultural sensitivity associated with the word itself, but context is important. For example, carrying certain items might be culturally sensitive depending on the situation.

In English-speaking cultures, the concepts of holding, carrying, and possessing are expressed by distinct verbs (hold, carry, possess, have), whereas Japanese often uses the single verb もつ for a broad range of these meanings. This requires learners to pay close attention to context.

The phrase 責任を持つ (sekinin o motsu - to take responsibility) is frequently used in discussions about accountability in business and personal life. Idioms like 手ぶらで持つ (tebura de motsu - to come empty-handed) reflect social etiquette regarding gift-giving and visits.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Daily Errands

  • 傘を持つ (kasa o motsu) - to hold an umbrella
  • 荷物を持つ (nimotsu o motsu) - to carry luggage
  • 財布を持つ (saifu o motsu) - to carry a wallet

Work/Qualifications

  • 資格を持つ (shikaku o motsu) - to possess a qualification
  • 責任を持つ (sekinin o motsu) - to take responsibility
  • 経験を持つ (keiken o motsu) - to have experience

Social Situations

  • 手を持つ (te o motsu) - to hold hands
  • 手ぶらで持つ (tebura de motsu) - to come empty-handed
  • 立場を持つ (tachiba o motsu) - to have a standpoint

Abstract Concepts

  • 意味を持つ (imi o motsu) - to have meaning
  • チャンスを持つ (chansu o motsu) - to have a chance
  • 希望を持つ (kibou o motsu) - to have hope

Conversation Starters

"今日、傘を持っていますか? (Kyō, kasa o motte imasu ka?) - Do you have an umbrella today?"

"この仕事に責任を持ってもらえますか? (Kono shigoto ni sekinin o motte moraemasu ka?) - Can you take responsibility for this job?"

"何か特別な資格を持っていますか? (Nani ka tokubetsu na shikaku o motte imasu ka?) - Do you possess any special qualifications?"

"このプレゼントは、あなたにとってどんな意味を持ちますか? (Kono purezento wa, anata ni totte donna imi o mochimasu ka?) - What meaning does this gift hold for you?"

"もしチャンスがあったら、何をしたいですか? (Moshi chansu ga attara, nani o shitai desu ka?) - If you had a chance, what would you want to do?"

Journal Prompts

Describe 5 things you are carrying today using もつ.

Write about a time you had to take responsibility (責任を持つ).

What qualifications (資格) do you possess or aspire to possess?

Think about a meaningful object (意味を持つ物) and describe why it's important to you.

سوالات متداول

8 سوال

While both can mean 'to hold' or 'to carry', 抱える often implies holding something in one's arms or dealing with problems/responsibilities in a more involved way. もつ is more general for holding, carrying, or possessing.

Yes, もつ can be used for abstract concepts like holding qualifications (資格を持つ), having plans (予定を持つ), or taking responsibility (責任を持つ).

You can say '車を持っています' (kuruma o motte imasu). The ~ています form is commonly used to indicate possession or a state of having something.

The past tense is 持った (motta). The polite past tense is 持ちました (mochimashita).

No, for eating use 食べる (taberu) and for drinking use 飲む (nomu). You don't 'hold' a meal, you 'eat' it.

It literally means 'to hold empty-handed' and is an idiom meaning to come without bringing a gift or anything for the host.

The plain negative is 持たない (motanai). The polite negative is 持ちません (mochimasen). The ~ています form negative is 持っていません (motte imasen).

Yes, you can say '手を持つ' (te o motsu), although in the context of romantic couples, '手をつなぐ' (te o tsunagu - to hold hands) is more common.

خودت رو بسنج

fill blank A1

わたし は かぎ を ______。

درسته! نه دقیقاً. پاسخ صحیح: もちます

The sentence is asking what the person does with the key. 'もちます' (mochimasu) means 'hold' or 'possess', which fits the context of a key.

multiple choice A2

Which sentence correctly uses もつ to mean 'carry luggage'?

درسته! نه دقیقاً. پاسخ صحیح: わたし は にもつ を もちます。

'にもつ' (nimotsu) means luggage. Therefore, 'わたし は にもつ を もちます' correctly means 'I carry luggage'.

true false B1

The phrase '責任を持つ' (sekinin o motsu) means 'to avoid responsibility'.

درسته! نه دقیقاً. پاسخ صحیح: نادرست

'責任を持つ' (sekinin o motsu) means 'to take responsibility', not avoid it.

match pairs B1

Word

معنی

All matched!

Match the nouns with their English meanings. Then, try forming sentences like '傘を持つ' (to hold an umbrella).

sentence order B2

کلمات زیر رو بزن تا جمله رو بسازی
درسته! نه دقیقاً. پاسخ صحیح:

The correct sentence is 'わたし は この チャンス を 持ちます' (Watashi wa kono chansu o mochimasu), meaning 'I will take this chance'.

fill blank B2

彼は多くの経験を______。

درسته! نه دقیقاً. پاسخ صحیح: 持っている

'持っている' (motte iru) means 'possesses' or 'has', which fits the context of having experience.

multiple choice C1

Which phrase best translates 'to possess a unique perspective'?

درسته! نه دقیقاً. پاسخ صحیح: 独自の視点を持ちます

'独自の視点を持ちます' (dokuji no shiten o mochimasu) correctly uses もつ to mean 'possess a unique perspective'.

true false C2

The verb もつ can be used to describe the act of physically holding a baby.

درسته! نه دقیقاً. پاسخ صحیح: درست

Yes, もつ can be used for holding objects, including a baby, though 抱っこする (dakkosuru - to hold a baby) is more specific and common for that context.

fill blank A1

これは わたし の かさ です。わたし は これ を ______。

درسته! نه دقیقاً. پاسخ صحیح: もちます

The sentence states 'This is my umbrella. I ____ this.' The correct verb is 'もちます' (mochimasu) meaning 'hold' or 'carry'.

sentence order B1

کلمات زیر رو بزن تا جمله رو بسازی
درسته! نه دقیقاً. پاسخ صحیح:

The correct sentence is 'きょう かぎ を もっていません' (Kyō kagi o motte imasen), meaning 'I don't have the key today'.

امتیاز: /10

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