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B1 verb #1,500 le plus courant 7 min de lecture

保つ

tamotsu Top 1,500

Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces 保つ en 30 secondes

Explication 保つ in your Level:

At the A1 level, you might not use 'tamotsu' often, as it is a bit more advanced than simple verbs like 'motsu' (to hold). However, you can understand it in very simple contexts like 'keeping a room clean.' Think of it as a special way to say 'keep.' You usually learn 'motsu' first, but 'tamotsu' is for when you want to say you are keeping something in a good way, like your health or a clean house. It's a 'level up' word for beginners.

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At the A2 level, you start to see 'tamotsu' in health-related topics. You might learn the phrase 'kenkou o tamotsu' (to maintain health). This is a very common phrase in textbooks. You also start to see it used with 'balance.' It's important to remember that it's a transitive verb, so you use 'o' with it. You might use it to describe your daily routine, like 'I keep my room clean' or 'I try to keep a healthy weight.'

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At the B1 level, you should be able to use 'tamotsu' for abstract concepts. This includes 'maintaining a distance' (kyori o tamotsu) in social situations or 'keeping calm' (reisei o tamotsu) during a test. You understand that 'tamotsu' implies an active effort to keep things stable. You can distinguish it from 'mamoru' (to protect) and 'iji-suru' (to maintain formally). This is the level where 'tamotsu' becomes a regular part of your vocabulary for discussing lifestyle and feelings.

At the B2 level, you use 'tamotsu' in more complex grammatical structures, such as the passive 'tamotareru' or the potential 'tamoteru.' You can use it in business settings to talk about 'maintaining quality' (hinshitsu o tamotsu) or 'maintaining a competitive edge.' You also understand its use in literature to describe a character's internal state, like 'maintaining one's dignity' (hin'i o tamotsu). Your usage is nuanced and context-appropriate.

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At the C1 level, you recognize the subtle differences between 'tamotsu' and its high-level synonyms like 'ji-suru' or 'hoji-suru.' You can use 'tamotsu' in academic writing or formal speeches to discuss social stability, ecological balance, or philosophical equilibrium. You are comfortable with its various idiomatic uses and can use it to express complex ideas about sustainability and preservation in both physical and metaphorical realms.

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At the C2 level, you have a native-like grasp of 'tamotsu.' You can use it poetically or rhetorically. You understand its historical roots and how it interacts with Japanese cultural values like 'Wa' (harmony). You can use it to describe the most delicate of states, such as the 'maintenance of a fleeting moment' or 'preserving the essence of a tradition.' Your choice of 'tamotsu' over other verbs is always precise and carries the exact intended nuance.

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Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces

保つ en 30 secondes

Tamotsu means to keep or maintain a state.
Commonly used for health, balance, and distance.
It is a transitive verb requiring the particle 'o'.
Implies active effort to prevent change or decline.

The Japanese verb 保つ (たもつ - tamotsu) is a versatile and essential term that primarily translates to 'to keep,' 'to maintain,' or 'to preserve.' At its core, it describes the intentional or natural act of sustaining a specific state, condition, or relationship over a period of time. Unlike simple 'keeping' (like holding an object), tamotsu implies a level of consistency and often an effort to prevent a decline or change in status.

Core Concept: The maintenance of equilibrium or a steady state. It is frequently used with abstract nouns like health, peace, or distance.

彼は常に冷静さを保つことができる。 (He is able to always maintain his composure.)

In a physical sense, it can refer to keeping a certain temperature or speed. In a social sense, it often refers to maintaining a specific distance (psychological or physical) between people. The nuance is one of 'holding steady' against external forces that might cause a shift.

Etymological Nuance: Derived from 'te' (hand) and 'motsu' (to hold), it literally suggests holding something in one's hands to protect it.

健康を保つためには、バランスの良い食事が欠かせない。 (To maintain health, a balanced diet is indispensable.)

The verb is transitive, meaning it takes a direct object marked by the particle 'o' (を). It is classified as a Godan verb (u-verb). Its usage spans from everyday conversation to highly formal academic writing, making it a vital part of a B1 learner's vocabulary.

この部屋は一定の温度に保たれている。 (This room is kept at a constant temperature.)

二人の間には適度な距離が保たれている。 (A proper distance is maintained between the two.)

Usage Context: Used extensively in health, science, social dynamics, and mechanics.

平和を保つ努力が必要だ。 (Efforts to maintain peace are necessary.)

Using 保つ correctly requires understanding its grammatical role as a transitive verb. It follows the pattern [Noun] を保つ. The noun is the state or condition you are trying to keep stable. Because it is a Godan verb, it conjugates following the standard 'u' patterns: tamotsu, tamotanai, tamotta, tamoteru (potential).

Grammar Pattern: [State/Condition] を [Verb Form of 保つ]. Example: 若さを保つ (Maintain youth).

彼は秘密を保つと約束した。 (He promised to keep the secret.)

One of the most common uses is with the word 'balance' (バランス). In Japanese, maintaining balance—whether physical or metaphorical—is almost always paired with tamotsu. Similarly, 'distance' (距離 - kyori) is a frequent partner. In social contexts, keeping a 'polite distance' or 'appropriate distance' uses this verb.

Collocation: Health: 健康を保つ (Kenkou o tamotsu) is the standard way to say 'stay healthy' or 'maintain health'.

良い姿勢を保つように心がけてください。 (Please try to maintain good posture.)

In technical or scientific contexts, tamotsu is used for maintaining pressure, vacuum, or chemical stability. It implies that without the action of the verb, the state would naturally deteriorate or change. This 'active maintenance' is a key part of the word's DNA.

スピードを一定に保つ。 (Keep the speed constant.)

鮮度を保つために冷蔵庫に入れる。 (Put it in the fridge to maintain freshness.)

Negative Form: 保たない (tamotanai) - to fail to maintain. Used when something breaks down or loses its quality.

沈黙を保つ。 (To maintain silence.)

You will encounter 保つ in a variety of settings, ranging from the doctor's office to news broadcasts. It is a favorite of health professionals and lifestyle gurus. When you hear advice about 'well-being,' this verb is almost certainly involved. In the workplace, it appears in discussions about maintaining productivity or professional standards.

Medical Context: Doctors use it to talk about blood pressure (血圧を保つ) or body weight (体重を保つ).

体温を保つことが重要です。 (It is important to maintain body temperature.)

In the news, you'll hear it regarding international relations—'maintaining peace' (平和を保つ) or 'maintaining the status quo' (現状を保つ). It is also common in sports commentary, where an athlete might be praised for 'maintaining their pace' or 'maintaining their focus' (集中力を保つ) during a high-pressure moment.

Social Dynamics: In Japanese culture, maintaining harmony (和を保つ) is a central concept. You will hear this in discussions about group ethics.

秩序を保つ。 (To maintain order.)

In literature and film, characters often struggle to 'maintain their dignity' (品位を保つ) or 'maintain a secret' (秘密を保つ). The word carries a certain weight and gravity, suggesting that the act of maintaining is a test of character or strength.

平常心を保つ。 (To keep one's presence of mind.)

均衡を保つ。 (To maintain equilibrium.)

Daily Life: Cleaning and organization: 部屋をきれいに保つ (Keep the room clean).

若々しさを保つ秘訣。 (The secret to maintaining youthfulness.)

Learners often confuse 保つ with similar verbs like mamoru (守る) or iji-suru (維持する). While they overlap, the nuances are distinct. Mamoru usually means 'to protect' or 'to follow (a rule),' whereas tamotsu is about 'maintaining a state.' You protect a child (mamoru), but you maintain a temperature (tamotsu).

Mistake 1: Confusing with 守る: Incorrect: 規則を保つ (Keep a rule). Correct: 規則を守る (Follow a rule). 'Tamotsu' is for states, not rules.

❌ 秘密を守る vs ✅ 秘密を保つ. (Note: Both can work, but 'mamoru' is 'keeping a secret' from others, while 'tamotsu' is 'maintaining the state of secrecy'.)

Another common error is using tamotsu for physical objects you are just 'holding.' If you are holding a bag, use motsu (持つ). Tamotsu is for the *condition* of the bag (e.g., keeping it clean).

Mistake 2: Overusing 維持する: 'Iji-suru' is very formal/technical. Using it in casual conversation about 'keeping a room clean' sounds robotic. Use 'tamotsu' instead.

❌ 現状を維持する (Formal) vs ✅ 現状を保つ (Natural/General).

A subtle mistake is with the particle. Since it's transitive, it needs 'o' (を). Some learners mistakenly use 'ga' (が) when they mean 'the state is maintained.' In that case, you must use the passive tamotareru or the intransitive tamotsu (though the intransitive use is rare and usually poetic).

❌ 平和が保つ vs ✅ 平和を保つ or ✅ 平和が保たれる.

❌ 距離を待つ (Wait distance) vs ✅ 距離を保つ (Keep distance). The kanji look similar!

Kanji Confusion: Don't confuse 保 (preserve) with 持 (hold) or 待 (wait). They all share the 'person' or 'hand' radicals but have different meanings.

Japanese has several words for 'maintaining' or 'keeping.' Understanding the nuances between 保つ and its synonyms will elevate your fluency. The main competitors are 維持する, 守る, and キープする.

保つ (Tamotsu) vs 維持する (Iji-suru): Tamotsu is native Japanese (Yamato Kotoba) and feels more natural for general states like health or silence. Iji-suru is a Kango (Sino-Japanese) word, used for systems, infrastructure, or formal status quo.

生活水準を維持する (Maintain standard of living - Formal) vs 健康を保つ (Maintain health - General).

Then there is 守る (Mamoru). While tamotsu is about keeping a state 'as is,' mamoru is about 'protecting' something from harm or 'adhering' to a standard. If you 'keep' a secret, mamoru emphasizes not telling others, while tamotsu emphasizes the continued existence of the secret state.

保つ (Tamotsu) vs キープする (Keep-suru): Keep-suru is the loanword. It is very casual and often used in sports (keeping a ball) or fashion (keeping a style). It lacks the 'weight' of tamotsu.

スタイルをキープする (Keep one's figure - Casual) vs 品位を保つ (Maintain dignity - Refined).

Lastly, consider 持ち続ける (Mochitsuzukeru). This means 'to continue to hold/have.' It is used for feelings or physical objects over a long time. Tamotsu is more about the *stability* of the state than just the duration of possession.

希望を持ち続ける (Continue to have hope) vs 平静を保つ (Keep one's cool).

Quick Reference Table

Word	Best For
保つ	Health, Balance, Peace, Silence
維持する	Systems, Standards, Status Quo
守る	Rules, Promises, Protection

How Formal Is It?

Niveau de difficulté

Grammaire à connaître

~ように保つ (Keep so that...)

~を一定に保つ (Keep ... constant)

~を保ち続ける (Continue to maintain)

~が保たれる (State is maintained)

~を保とうとする (Try to maintain)

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Exemples par niveau

部屋をきれいに保つ。

Keep the room clean.

Noun + を + Adjective-ni + tamotsu

水をきれいに保つ。

Keep the water clean.

Direct object with を

健康を保つ。

Maintain health.

Common collocation

静かに保つ。

Keep it quiet.

Adverbial use

温かさを保つ。

Keep the warmth.

Abstract noun (warmth)

笑顔を保つ。

Keep a smile.

Maintaining a facial expression

形を保つ。

Keep the shape.

Physical state

距離を保つ。

Keep distance.

Physical distance

良い姿勢を保つことが大切です。

It is important to maintain good posture.

Gerund phrase with koto

野菜の鮮度を保つ。

Maintain the freshness of vegetables.

Possessive particle no

一定のスピードを保つ。

Maintain a constant speed.

Adjective + speed

秘密を保つ。

Keep a secret.

Abstract object

心の平和を保つ。

Maintain peace of mind.

Metaphorical use

温度を20度に保つ。

Keep the temperature at 20 degrees.

Specific target with ni

バランスを保つ。

Maintain balance.

Katakana loanword

若さを保つ秘訣は何ですか？

What is the secret to maintaining youth?

Noun modification

冷静さを保つように努めた。

I tried to maintain my composure.

Verb + you ni tsutomeru

適度な距離を保つのが難しい。

It is difficult to maintain a proper distance.

Adjective + distance

彼は常に中立を保っている。

He always maintains neutrality.

Te-iru form for state

この薬は血圧を一定に保つ。

This medicine keeps blood pressure constant.

Causative-like action

伝統を保つのは簡単ではない。

Maintaining tradition is not easy.

Cultural context

沈黙を保つことにした。

I decided to remain silent.

Deciding on a state

彼は威厳を保とうとした。

He tried to maintain his dignity.

Volitional form + to suru

湿度を適切に保つ必要がある。

It is necessary to maintain humidity appropriately.

Hitsuyou ga aru

緊張感を保ちつつ、リラックスする。

While maintaining a sense of tension, relax.

Tsutsu (while)

秩序が保たれている社会。

A society where order is maintained.

Passive form tamotareru

彼は平常心を保つのが得意だ。

He is good at keeping his cool.

Compound noun Heijoushin

国際的な均衡を保つための努力。

Efforts to maintain international equilibrium.

Formal noun Kinkou

鮮度を保つための特殊な包装。

Special packaging to maintain freshness.

Purpose clause

良好な関係を保つことが不可欠だ。

Maintaining a good relationship is indispensable.

Fukaketsu (indispensable)

集中力を保つために休憩を取る。

Take a break to maintain concentration.

Mental state

彼は自尊心を保とうと必死だった。

He was desperate to maintain his self-respect.

Hisshi (desperate)

生態系のバランスを保つことは急務である。

Maintaining the balance of the ecosystem is an urgent matter.

Kyuumu (urgent matter)

伝統的な技法を現代まで保ってきた。

We have maintained traditional techniques until today.

Te-kita (historical continuation)

法と秩序を保つのが警察の役割だ。

Maintaining law and order is the role of the police.

Formal pairing (Hou to Chitsujo)

彼は沈黙を保つことで抗議した。

He protested by remaining silent.

Instrumental de

一貫性を保つことが議論の基本だ。

Maintaining consistency is the basis of an argument.

Ikkansei (consistency)

若々しい感性を保ち続けている。

He continues to maintain a youthful sensitivity.

Compound verb tamochi-tsuzukeru

均衡を保つのが難しい局面だ。

It is a phase where maintaining balance is difficult.

Kyokumen (phase/situation)

名誉を保つために辞職した。

He resigned to maintain his honor.

Meiyo (honor)

万物の調和を保つという思想。

The philosophy of maintaining the harmony of all things.

Banbutsu (all things)

古き良き伝統を頑なに保ち続けている。

They stubbornly continue to maintain good old traditions.

頑なに (stubbornly)

彼は極限状態でも正気を保った。

He maintained his sanity even in extreme conditions.

Seiki (sanity)

国家の威信を保つための外交政策。

Foreign policy to maintain national prestige.

Ishin (prestige)

静謐な空気を保つ寺院の境内。

The temple grounds maintaining a serene atmosphere.

Seihitsu (serene)

客観性を保つことが研究者には求められる。

Researchers are required to maintain objectivity.

Kyokkwansei (objectivity)

彼は最後まで品位を保ち、世を去った。

He maintained his dignity until the end and passed away.

Euphemism for death

均衡が保たれている瞬間の美しさ。

The beauty of the moment when balance is maintained.

Poetic usage

Collocations courantes

健康を保つ

バランスを保つ

距離を保つ

冷静さを保つ

秘密を保つ

温度を保つ

鮮度を保つ

平和を保つ

秩序を保つ

若さを保つ

Phrases Courantes

平常心を保つ

一定に保つ

均衡を保つ

沈黙を保つ

品位を保つ

威厳を保つ

中立を保つ

湿度を保つ

スピードを保つ

清潔に保つ

Souvent confondu avec

保つ vs 守る (Protect/Follow)

保つ vs 持つ (Hold)

保つ vs 待つ (Wait)

Expressions idiomatiques

"間を保つ (To keep time/rhythm)"

"体裁を保つ (To save appearances)"

"命を保つ (To stay alive)"

"面目を保つ (To save face)"

"正気を保つ (To keep one's sanity)"

"均衡を保つ (To keep the balance)"

"一貫性を保つ (To stay consistent)"

"距離を保つ (To keep one's distance)"

"若さを保つ (To stay young)"

"沈黙を保つ (To keep silent)"

Facile à confondre

保つ vs

Structures de phrases

Famille de mots

Apparenté

保存 (hozon)

保護 (hogo)

保証 (hoshou)

保健 (hoken)

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Comment l'utiliser

transitivity

Always transitive in standard use.

abstract vs physical

Works for both, but abstract is very common.

Erreurs courantes

Using 'tamotsu' for keeping a pet.
Using 'tamotsu' for following rules.
Confusing 'tamotsu' (保つ) with 'matsu' (待つ).
Using 'ga' instead of 'o' for the object.
Using 'tamotsu' for physical possession.

Astuces

Adverbial usage

When using an adjective with 'tamotsu', use the 'ku' form for i-adjectives and 'ni' for na-adjectives.

Health Collocation

Always associate 'tamotsu' with 'kenkou' (health) to remember its core meaning.

Social Distance

In Japan, 'kyori o tamotsu' is a positive social skill, not necessarily a cold one.

Kanji Accuracy

Be careful not to add an extra stroke to the 'person' radical in 'ho' (保).

Polite Advice

Use '~o tamotsu you ni shite kudasai' for polite advice on maintaining a state.

News Keywords

Listen for 'tamotsu' in reports about international 'kinkou' (balance).

Context Clues

If the object is an abstract state, 'tamotsu' is likely the verb.

The Glass Metaphor

Imagine keeping a glass of water from spilling; that is 'tamotsu'.

Tamotsu vs. Motsu

'Motsu' is to have; 'Tamotsu' is to *keep* having in a specific way.

Composure

'Reisei o tamotsu' is a very high-frequency phrase in fiction.

Mémorise-le

Origine du mot

Native Japanese (Yamato Kotoba). Derived from 'te' (hand) + 'motsu' (to hold).

Contexte culturel

Preserving the 'form' (kata) of arts.

Maintaining harmony is a key social duty.

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

Amorces de conversation

"どうやって健康を保っていますか？"

"冷静さを保つ秘訣は何ですか？"

"部屋をきれいに保つコツを教えてください。"

"仕事とプライベートのバランスをどう保っていますか？"

"若さを保つために何をしていますか？"

Sujets d'écriture

今日、冷静さを保てた瞬間はありましたか？

あなたが保ちたい大切な秘密は何ですか？

健康を保つために明日からできることは？

人間関係で適度な距離を保つことは大切だと思いますか？

今の生活でバランスを保つのが難しいと感じる部分は？

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

No, 'yakusoku o mamoru' is the correct phrase for fulfilling a promise.

'Tamotsu' is more general and native; 'iji-suru' is formal and technical.

Yes, but for their *state* (like cleanliness), not just holding them.

You can say 'himitsu o tamotsu' or 'himitsu o mamoru'.

No, use 'kau' (飼う) for keeping animals.

'Tamoteru' is the potential form meaning 'can keep'.

The object being maintained takes the particle 'o' (を).

Yes, 'menboku o tamotsu' is a common expression.

Yes, especially regarding health, cleaning, and social distance.

Common opposites include 'kuzusu' (to break/disturb) or 'ushinau' (to lose).

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