When you use the Japanese verb 「持ちます」(もちます) which comes from the dictionary form 「持つ」(もつ), it simply means to hold or to carry something. This is a very common and versatile verb that you will use frequently in everyday conversations. Think of it like physically having something in your hand or transporting an item from one place to another. It's a straightforward action verb that's important to grasp early on.
For example, you might say 「ペンを持ちます」 (pen o mochimasu) to say "I hold a pen" or 「かばんを持ちます」 (kaban o mochimasu) for "I carry a bag." While simple, understanding this verb is fundamental for describing actions involving objects. Remember, it's about the physical act of possession or transport.
§ Basic Meaning of 持ちます (持つ)
- Japanese Word
- 持ちます (持つ)
- Definition
- To hold; to carry.
- CEFR Level
- A2
You'll hear 持ちます (持つ) all the time in Japan. It's a fundamental verb, and understanding its different uses is key to sounding natural. While the basic meaning is 'to hold' or 'to carry,' it has several other important nuances.
§ Using 持ちます (持つ) at Work
In a work setting, 持ちます can refer to carrying documents, equipment, or even responsibility. It's not just about physical objects.
Carrying items: When you're moving things around the office or to a meeting.
資料を持って会議室に行ってください。
Please go to the meeting room carrying the documents.Taking responsibility: This is a common metaphorical use. It means to be in charge of something.
このプロジェクトは私が持ちます。
I will take responsibility for this project.
§ Using 持ちます (持つ) at School
At school, you'll hear 持ちます when talking about school supplies, personal belongings, or even having certain qualities.
Bringing items to class: Teachers often remind students what to bring.
教科書を忘れずに持ってきてください。
Please don't forget to bring your textbook.Having an ability or characteristic: This is a more abstract use, like having talent or courage.
彼はリーダーシップを持っています。
He possesses leadership.
§ Using 持ちます (持つ) in the News and Everyday Life
News reports and daily conversations often use 持ちます in a broad sense, from holding a press conference to simply possessing something.
Possession: This is probably the most frequent everyday use. It means to own or have something.
彼は車を持っています。
He owns a car.Maintaining or keeping: This can refer to maintaining a certain condition or continuing to have something.
健康を持つことは大切です。
It's important to maintain good health.Holding an event or meeting: In a more formal context, especially in news.
政府は緊急会議を持った。
The government held an emergency meeting.
§ Mistake 1: Confusing 持つ with ある/いる
Many beginners mix up 持つ (motsu) with ある (aru) and いる (iru). While both ある and いる also indicate possession or existence, they are used differently. ある is for inanimate objects, and いる is for animate beings. 持つ, on the other hand, specifically means to 'hold' or 'carry' something, implying an action or a state of being in possession of something that you can physically interact with.
- DEFINITION
- To hold; to carry.
ペンを持っています。(I am holding a pen.)
Here, you are actively holding the pen. If you said 「ペンがあります」 (pen ga arimasu), it means 'There is a pen,' which doesn't convey the sense of actively holding it.
§ Mistake 2: Incorrect Particle Usage
When using 持つ, the direct object is typically marked with the particle を (o). It's a common mistake to use other particles like が (ga) or は (wa) incorrectly in this context, which can change the meaning or make the sentence grammatically awkward.
本を持っています。(I am holding a book.)
Using が here would typically indicate 'a book is held (by someone, implicitly),' which is less direct than stating 'I am holding a book.'
§ Mistake 3: Overusing 持つ for abstract possession
While 持つ can mean 'to possess' in some contexts, especially for abstract things like qualities or responsibilities, beginners sometimes overuse it where a more natural Japanese expression exists. For example, to say 'I have a car,' you'd more commonly use 「車があります」 (kuruma ga arimasu) or 「車を持っている」 (kuruma o motte iru) if you want to emphasize possession, but the former is more common for simple possession of an item.
彼は才能を持っています。(He possesses talent.)
In this case, it's appropriate because talent is an abstract quality. However, for physical items, consider if ある is more natural.
§ Mistake 4: Incorrect Tense/Form Usage
The verb 持つ can be used in various tenses and forms, and incorrect usage can lead to misunderstandings. The -te iru form (持っている) is particularly important as it indicates a continuous action or a state of possession.
Present/Future: 持ちます (mochimasu) - Will hold/carry, or holds/carries (habitually)
Present Progressive/State of Possession: 持っています (motte imasu) - Is holding/carrying, or has/possesses
Past: 持ちました (mochimashita) - Held/carried
彼女はいつも傘を持っています。(She always carries an umbrella.)
Here, 持っています indicates a continuous state of carrying. If you said 「傘を持ちます」, it would sound like a statement about an intention to carry or a general fact, not a current state.
알아야 할 문법
When expressing possession of an inanimate object, you can use 持ちます (mochimasu) in the sense of 'to have' or 'to own'.
私は車を持っています。 (Watashi wa kuruma o motte imasu.) - I have a car.
When talking about holding something in your hand, you use 持ちます with the direct object particle を (o).
彼は本を持っています。 (Kare wa hon o motte imasu.) - He is holding a book.
To express carrying something to a place, you can combine 持ちます with an action verb like 行きます (ikimasu - to go) or 来ます (kimasu - to come) in their て-form (持っていきます, 持ってきます).
傘を持っていきます。 (Kasa o motte ikimasu.) - I will take an umbrella (with me).
When referring to something that is portable or easy to carry, 持ちます can be used to describe its characteristic.
このバッグは軽くて持ちやすいです。 (Kono baggu wa karukute mochi-yasui desu.) - This bag is light and easy to carry.
In some contexts, 持ちます can also mean 'to last' or 'to endure', especially when talking about things like durability or the duration of an event.
この靴は長持ちします。 (Kono kutsu wa nagamochi shimasu.) - These shoes last a long time.
수준별 예문
このカバンは重いので、二人で持った方がいいですよ。
This bag is heavy, so it's better if two people carry it.
〜た方がいい (〜ta hou ga ii): It's better to...
彼はいつもたくさんの本を持っている。
He always carries a lot of books.
〜ている (〜te iru): ongoing action or state
電車の中で席を持っている人に荷物を持ってもらった。
I had someone holding a seat on the train carry my luggage.
〜てもらう (〜te morau): to have someone do something for you
子供が手におもちゃをしっかり持っていた。
The child was holding the toy tightly in their hand.
〜ていた (〜te ita): past continuous action or state
私たちは希望を持って未来に進むべきだ。
We should move forward into the future with hope.
〜べきだ (〜beki da): should do, ought to do
彼女はいつも笑顔を絶やさず、ポジティブな気持ちを持っている。
She always keeps smiling and has a positive attitude.
〜を絶やさず (〜o tayasazu): without ceasing, constantly
この技術は、大きな可能性を秘めている。
This technology holds great potential.
〜を秘めている (〜o himete iru): to have something hidden, to hold a secret/potential
自分の意見をしっかり持つことは大切だ。
It's important to firmly hold your own opinion.
〜ことは大切だ (〜koto wa taisetsu da): It is important to do...
これは私がずっと心に持っていた夢です。
This is a dream I've always held in my heart.
彼女はどんな困難にも屈しない強い意志を持っています。
She possesses a strong will that doesn't yield to any difficulty.
この会社は長年の歴史と信頼を持っています。
This company holds a long history and trust.
彼はその問題に対する独自の視点を持っていた。
He held his own unique perspective on that problem.
多くの人が平和な世界を願う気持ちを持っています。
Many people hold the feeling of wishing for a peaceful world.
この建物は重要な文化財としての価値を持っています。
This building holds value as an important cultural asset.
私たちは常に未来への希望を持っていたい。
We always want to hold hope for the future.
彼の言葉には深い意味が持たされていた。
His words were imbued with deep meaning.
문법 패턴
관용어 및 표현
"荷物を持つ (nimotsu o motsu)"
To carry luggage.
彼女はいつもたくさんの荷物を持っています。
neutral"傘を持つ (kasa o motsu)"
To hold an umbrella.
雨が降っているので傘を持って出かけます。
neutral"手に花を持つ (te ni hana o motsu)"
To hold a flower in one's hand.
彼は彼女に渡すために手に花を持っていた。
neutral"責任を持つ (sekinin o motsu)"
To take responsibility.
自分の行動には自分で責任を持つべきです。
neutral"考えを持つ (kangae o motsu)"
To have an opinion/thought.
彼はその問題についてしっかりした考えを持っている。
neutral"自信を持つ (jishin o motsu)"
To have confidence.
もっと自信を持って発表してください。
neutral"店を持つ (mise o motsu)"
To own a shop/store.
いつか自分のお店を持つのが夢です。
neutral"鍵を持つ (kagi o motsu)"
To have the key.
私がこのドアの鍵を持っています。
neutral"家を持つ (ie o motsu)"
To own a house.
彼は結婚して家を持つことになりました。
neutral"身分を持つ (mibun o motsu)"
To have a social standing/status.
彼女は高い身分を持つ家庭の出身だ。
neutral문장 패턴
Nounを 持ちます (mochimasu)
私はペンを持ちます。(Watashi wa pen o mochimasu.) - I hold a pen.
Nounを 持っています (motte imasu)
彼はお金を持っています。(Kare wa okane o motte imasu.) - He has money.
Verbて形から 持ちます (mochimasu)
この本を持って行ってください。(Kono hon o motte itte kudasai.) - Please take this book with you.
Verbて形から 持って来ます (motte kimasu)
何か飲み物を持って来ましょうか。(Nanika nomimono o motte kimashou ka?) - Shall I bring something to drink?
Nounが 持ちます (mochimasu)
この靴は長持ちします。(Kono kutsu wa nagamochi shimasu.) - These shoes last a long time.
Nounに 持ちます (mochimasu)
彼女はいつも笑顔を心に持っています。(Kanojo wa itsumo egao o kokoro ni motte imasu.) - She always carries a smile in her heart.
Verbて形から 持ちます (mochimasu)
この習慣は昔から持っています。(Kono shuukan wa mukashi kara motte imasu.) - I've had this habit since a long time ago.
Nounを 持って行きます (motte ikimasu)
お土産を持って行きます。(Omiyage o motte ikimasu.) - I will bring a souvenir.
사용법
When 持ちます (mochimasu) is used, it often implies a more active and sustained action of holding something, rather than just a momentary grasp. For example, if you are holding a bag for someone, you would use this verb. It can also be used for carrying things, like carrying groceries.
A common mistake is confusing 持ちます (mochimasu) with 掴みます (tsukamimasu). While both involve holding, 掴みます specifically means to grasp or grab something firmly, often with your hand, and usually for a shorter duration or with a stronger grip. 持ちます is more general and can refer to simply having something in your possession or carrying it.
팁
Basic Meaning of Mochimasu
The most common meaning of 持ちます (mochimasu) is to hold or to carry something. Think of it as a versatile verb for physical possession or transport.
Using Mochimasu with Objects
You'll almost always use 持ちます with an object. The particle を (o) marks the direct object. For example, 「ペンを持ちます」 (pen o mochimasu) means 'I hold a pen'.
Mochimasu for Possessing Things
持ちます can also mean to possess or have something, especially non-physical things like a characteristic or a qualification. For example, 「お金を持ちますか？」 (okane o mochimasu ka?) means 'Do you have money?'
Mochimasu for Taking Responsibility
In some contexts, 持ちます can imply taking responsibility or bearing a burden. For example, 「責任を持ちます」 (sekinin o mochimasu) means 'I will take responsibility'.
Mochimasu with Time or Duration
It can also be used to express that something will last or endure. For example, 「この会議は二時間持ちます」 (kono kaigi wa niji-kan mochimasu) means 'This meeting will last two hours'.
Don't confuse with 'Aru'
While 持ちます can mean 'to have', it's usually for things you physically hold or possess actively. For general existence of inanimate objects, use あります (arimasu). For animate objects, use います (imasu).
Common Phrases with Mochimasu
Learn these phrases: 「傘を持ちます」 (kasa o mochimasu - to carry an umbrella), 「荷物を持ちます」 (nimotsu o mochimasu - to carry luggage).
Te-form: Motte
The te-form of 持ちます is 持って (motte). This is useful for connecting actions, like 「本を持って読みます」 (hon o motte yomimasu - 'I'll hold a book and read it').
Offering to Carry
It's polite in Japan to offer to carry someone's bags, especially for elders or those with many items. You might hear 「お荷物、お持ちしましょうか？」 (onimotsu, omochi shimashou ka? - 'Shall I carry your luggage?').
Potential Form: Moteru
The potential form is 持てる (moteru), meaning 'can hold' or 'can carry'. For example, 「このカバンはたくさん持てます」 (kono kaban wa takusan motemasu - 'This bag can hold a lot').
암기하기
기억법
Imagine an English person named MOCHI, carrying a heavy bag. MOCHI-MASU (持ちます) means 'to carry'.
시각적 연상
Picture yourself holding a delicate teacup (お茶碗 - ochawan) with both hands. This image reinforces '持つ' (motsu) as 'to hold'.
Word Web
챌린지
Try to say 'I will hold this' in Japanese when you pick something up, or 'I am carrying a bag' when you have one. For example: 「これ、持ちます。」(Kore, mochimasu.) - 'I will hold this.' or 「カバンを持ちます。」(Kaban wo mochimasu.) - 'I carry a bag.'
자주 묻는 질문
10 질문While both mean 'to hold,' 持つ (motsu) is the more common and general verb for holding or carrying something. 保持する (hoji suru) is more formal and often implies maintaining or retaining something, like 'to retain a record' or 'to maintain a stance.' For everyday use, stick with 持つ (motsu).
Yes, it absolutely can! 持つ (motsu) is versatile. You can say 考えを持つ (kanga-e o motsu) for 'to have an idea' or 希望を持つ (kibou o motsu) for 'to have hope.' It's not just for physical objects.
You wouldn't typically use 持つ (motsu) for 'to hold a meeting.' For that, you'd use 開く (hiraku) or 開催する (kaisai suru). 持つ (motsu) is more about physical possession or abstract possession of ideas/feelings.
The polite form is 持ちます (mochimasu). This is what you'll use in most everyday conversations. The dictionary form is 持つ (motsu).
Yes, you can! You'd say 車を持っています (kuruma o motte imasu). The -te imasu form is key here to indicate possession or a continuous state of having something. This is a very common usage.
This is a good question! いる (iru) is for animate objects (people, animals) and ある (aru) is for inanimate objects, indicating their existence or location. 持つ (motsu) specifically means 'to possess' or 'to have' in the sense of ownership or carrying. So, you 'have' a car (車を持っている - kuruma o motte iru) but your friend 'is' in the room (友達が部屋にいる - tomodachi ga heya ni iru).
When used with a duration, 持つ (motsu) means 'to last' or 'to keep for.' For example, この食べ物は３日持つ (Kono tabemono wa mikkakan motsu) means 'This food will last for three days.' It's a useful way to talk about shelf life or durability.
Yes, plenty! A very common one is 気を持つ (ki o motsu) which can mean 'to be interested in someone' or 'to have a feeling.' Another is 責任を持つ (sekinin o motsu), meaning 'to take responsibility.' You'll encounter many more as you advance.
You'd typically ask ペンを持っていますか？ (Pen o motte imasu ka?). Again, the -te imasu form is used for asking about current possession. Very practical phrase!
The plain negative is 持たない (motanai). The polite negative is 持ちません (mochimasen). For saying you 'don't have' something, you'd usually use 持っていません (motte imasen), which is the negative of the -te imasu form.
셀프 테스트 48 질문
Listen to the sentence about holding a pen.
Listen to the sentence about carrying a bag.
Listen to the sentence about holding books.
Read this aloud:
私は水を持ちます。
Focus: 持ちます (mochimasu)
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Read this aloud:
彼は傘を持ちます。
Focus: 持ちます (mochimasu)
당신의 답변:
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Read this aloud:
あなたは携帯電話を持ちますか。
Focus: 持ちますか (mochimasu ka)
당신의 답변:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
This sentence means 'I hold a pen.' The standard Japanese sentence structure is Subject-Object-Verb.
This sentence asks 'Do you carry a bag?' In Japanese questions, the particle 'か' is added to the end.
This sentence means 'He is holding a book.' The '-ています' form indicates a continuous action.
You are going to a picnic. What are two things you will bring? Write two sentences using 持ちます. (You will hold/carry...)
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
私はサンドイッチを持っていきます。飲み物も持っていきます。(I will bring sandwiches. I will also bring drinks.)
Your friend is going shopping. Ask them if they can carry something for you. Write a sentence using 持ちます in a question.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
この荷物を持っていきますか。(Will you carry this baggage?)
Describe something you always carry with you. Write a sentence using 持ちます.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
私はいつも携帯を持っています。(I always carry my cell phone.)
田中さんは何を持っていますか。
Read this passage:
田中さんは毎日、会社に大きいかばんを持っていきます。そのかばんには、パソコンと本とランチが入っています。時々、傘も持っていきます。
田中さんは何を持っていますか。
文章に「パソコンと本とランチが入っています。時々、傘も持っていきます。」と書いてあります。
文章に「パソコンと本とランチが入っています。時々、傘も持っていきます。」と書いてあります。
筆者はなぜ手が痛いですか。
Read this passage:
私は朝、買い物に行きます。牛乳とパンと卵を買います。たくさん持っているので、手が痛いです。
筆者はなぜ手が痛いですか。
文章の最後に「たくさん持っているので、手が痛いです。」とあります。
文章の最後に「たくさん持っているので、手が痛いです。」とあります。
筆者は何を便利だと感じていますか。
Read this passage:
これは私の新しいスマートフォンです。いつもこれを持ち歩いています。とても便利です。写真もたくさん撮れます。
筆者は何を便利だと感じていますか。
文章の「これは私の新しいスマートフォンです。いつもこれを持ち歩いています。とても便利です。」から、新しいスマートフォンが便利だと分かります。
文章の「これは私の新しいスマートフォンです。いつもこれを持ち歩いています。とても便利です。」から、新しいスマートフォンが便利だと分かります。
This sentence means 'I hold an umbrella.' The basic Japanese sentence structure is Subject + Object + Verb.
This sentence means 'He carried heavy luggage.' The past tense of 持ちます is 持ちました.
This sentence means 'Please hold the apple with your hand.' The 'てください' form is used for requests.
Choose the correct sentence using 持ちます (to hold/carry) in a polite context.
「持っています」 (motte imasu) is the correct polite form for 'I am holding' or 'I have'. The other options either use incorrect conjugations or imply a different nuance.
Which sentence correctly expresses 'He carries a lot of books'?
「持っています」 (motte imasu) indicates a continuous action or state of possession, which is appropriate for 'He carries a lot of books'.
If you want to say 'Please hold this for a moment,' which option is most appropriate?
「〜てください」 (~te kudasai) is the standard polite request form in Japanese. So, 「持ってください」 (motte kudasai) means 'Please hold'.
The sentence 「彼はいつも傘を持っています。」 means 'He always carries an umbrella.'
「持っています」 (motte imasu) indicates a continuous state or habit, making the translation correct.
「この荷物は重いので、私が持ちます。」 means 'This luggage is heavy, so I will carry it.'
「持ちます」 (mochimasu) in this context correctly expresses the speaker's intention to carry the luggage.
If you say 「彼は財布を持たない。」, it means 'He doesn't have a wallet.'
While 「持たない」 (motanai) is the negative form, a more natural way to say 'He doesn't have a wallet' is 「彼は財布を持っていません。」 (kare wa saifu o motte imasen). 「持たない」 often implies a choice not to carry something, rather than simply not possessing it.
The speaker is offering to carry a bag.
The sentence describes how someone approaches presentations.
The sentence refers to a company's relationship with its community.
Read this aloud:
「あなたの意見には賛成しかねますが、その情熱は買いたいと思います。」
Focus: 「賛成しかねますが」の発音に注意してください。
당신의 답변:
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Read this aloud:
「現代社会では、多様な価値観を受け入れる柔軟性を持つことが重要だ。」
Focus: 「多様な価値観」と「柔軟性」をはっきりと発音しましょう。
당신의 답변:
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Read this aloud:
「彼は常に冷静さを保ち、どんな状況でも的確な判断を下すことができる。」
Focus: 「冷静さ」と「的確な判断」の発音に注意し、流暢に話しましょう。
당신의 답변:
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Choose the most appropriate word to complete the sentence: 彼はいつも大きなかばんを___。
The sentence means 'He always carries a big bag.' '持ちます' (mochimasu) means 'to carry' or 'to hold,' which fits the context perfectly. The other options mean 'to eat,' 'to see,' and 'to write,' respectively, and do not make sense in this sentence.
Which of the following is the correct polite form of '持つ'?
The polite form of '持つ' (motsu) is '持ちます' (mochimasu). '持たない' is the negative plain form, '持った' is the past plain form, and '持っている' is the te-form indicating a continuous action or state.
Select the sentence where '持つ' is used in the sense of 'to hold' rather than 'to carry'.
The sentence '彼は赤ちゃんを優しく持っていた。' (Kare wa akachan o yasashiku motteita.) means 'He gently held the baby.' This clearly uses '持つ' in the sense of 'to hold.' The other options use '持つ' in the sense of 'to carry' (傘を持っている - carrying an umbrella, 荷物を持って旅行した - traveled carrying luggage) or 'to possess' (古い辞書を持っている - possesses an old dictionary).
The verb '持ちます' can be used to describe the action of carrying a bag.
'持ちます' (mochimasu) directly translates to 'to hold' or 'to carry,' making it appropriate for describing the action of carrying a bag.
The past plain form of '持つ' is '持っています'.
The past plain form of '持つ' (motsu) is '持った' (motta). '持っています' (motteimasu) is the polite present progressive or state form.
If someone asks '何を持っていますか？' (Nani o motteimasu ka?), they are asking what you are holding or carrying.
'何を持っていますか？' directly translates to 'What are you holding/carrying?' This is a common way to ask about objects a person has with them.
The tradition holds values passed down from generation to generation.
He holds a very important role in that project.
This company holds a strong position in the market and has significant influence.
Read this aloud:
あなたは、この状況でどのような見解を持っていますか？
Focus: 見解 (けんかい)
당신의 답변:
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Read this aloud:
彼の発言は、その場の雰囲気を一変させる力を持っていました。
Focus: 一変 (いっぺん)
당신의 답변:
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Read this aloud:
私たちは、未来の世代に対して持続可能な社会を築く責任を持っています。
Focus: 持続可能 (じぞくかのう)
당신의 답변:
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/ 48 correct
Perfect score!
Basic Meaning of Mochimasu
The most common meaning of 持ちます (mochimasu) is to hold or to carry something. Think of it as a versatile verb for physical possession or transport.
Using Mochimasu with Objects
You'll almost always use 持ちます with an object. The particle を (o) marks the direct object. For example, 「ペンを持ちます」 (pen o mochimasu) means 'I hold a pen'.
Mochimasu for Possessing Things
持ちます can also mean to possess or have something, especially non-physical things like a characteristic or a qualification. For example, 「お金を持ちますか？」 (okane o mochimasu ka?) means 'Do you have money?'
Mochimasu for Taking Responsibility
In some contexts, 持ちます can imply taking responsibility or bearing a burden. For example, 「責任を持ちます」 (sekinin o mochimasu) means 'I will take responsibility'.
예시
荷物を持つのが大変です。
관련 콘텐츠
general 관련 단어
いくつか
B1An unspecified small number of things; some, a few.
ちょっと
A2A little; a moment; a bit. Small amount or short time.
すこし
A2A little; a few.
さっき
A2A little while ago; a short time past.
能力
A1Nouryoku refers to the mental or physical power, skill, or capacity required to perform a specific task or function. It can describe both innate talent and skills acquired through learning and practice.
異常
A1A word used to describe something that deviates from the normal state, standard, or expected pattern. It often implies a problem, malfunction, or an extraordinary occurrence that requires attention or investigation.
～について
A2About, concerning; indicates topic.
〜について
B1About, concerning; on the subject of.
～ぐらい
A2about, approximately
ぐらい
A2About; approximately; to the extent of.
