In 15 Seconds
- The standard way to say 'have' or 'possess'.
- Used for physical items and some abstract states.
- Neutral formality, suitable for most situations.
- Combines 'hold' with a continuous state.
Meaning
This is your go-to phrase for saying you 'have' something! It's not just about possession, but the simple, everyday state of something being with you or in your possession. Think of it as the default, friendly way to confirm you've got the goods, whether it's your phone, a book, or even a feeling.
Key Examples
3 of 12Texting a friend about a concert
ねえ、チケット 持っている？
Hey, do you have the ticket?
Describing a new purchase online
この新しいスマホ、すごく 使いやすいんだ。もう３日も持っているよ！
This new smartphone is really easy to use. I've had it for three days already!
At a job interview (Zoom call)
はい、運転免許証は持っています。
Yes, I have my driver's license.
Cultural Background
In business, 'having' a connection ({人脈|じんみゃく}を{持|も}っている) is highly valued. It's not just about what you know, but who you 'hold' in your network. The 'Motteiru' phenomenon: Athletes who perform miracles in the last second are said to 'have it.' It implies a spiritual or karmic advantage. When visiting someone's home, you should always 'have' a small gift. The phrase {手土産|てみやげ}を{持|も}っていく is a core social rule. A good host 'has' everything ready before the guest even asks. This state of 'having' is seen as the peak of hospitality.
The 'Pocket Test'
If the object can fit in your pocket, {持|も}っている is almost always the right choice.
The People Rule
Using {持|も}っている for a boyfriend or girlfriend makes you sound like a possessive kidnapper! Stick to 'iru'.
In 15 Seconds
- The standard way to say 'have' or 'possess'.
- Used for physical items and some abstract states.
- Neutral formality, suitable for most situations.
- Combines 'hold' with a continuous state.
What It Means
This phrase, 持っている (motte iru), is the most common and natural way to say you 'have' something in Japanese. It literally means 'to hold and continue to be in that state'. It covers physical objects like your keys or a new phone, but also abstract things like a cold or an idea. It’s the friendly, everyday word you’ll use constantly.
How To Use It
Just slap it after the thing you have! The structure is simple: [Thing you have] を 持っている (o motte iru). For example, 本 を 持っている (hon o motte iru) means 'I have a book'. You can also use it with pronouns like 私 (watashi - I) or 彼 (kare - he), though often the subject is understood from context. So, 持っている by itself can mean 'I have it' or 'He has it' depending on the situation. It’s like the Swiss Army knife of possession verbs!
Real-Life Examples
Imagine you're meeting a friend and they ask if you brought the movie tickets. You'd say, チケット を 持っているよ (chiketto o motte iru yo). Or maybe you're describing your new pet hamster to someone: ハムスター を 持っているんだ (hamusutaa o motte irun da). It’s super versatile, like a chameleon in a crayon box!
When To Use It
Use 持っている for almost anything you possess or have on your person. Got your wallet? 財布 を 持っている (saifu o motte iru). Need to borrow a pen? Ask if someone ペン を 持っている (pen o motte iru). It works for tangible items, but also for things like a fever (熱 を 持っている - netsu o motte iru) or a specific skill (運転免許 を 持っている - unten menkyo o motte iru). It’s your default setting for 'have'.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use 持っている for abstract concepts that aren't 'held' in a physical sense, like 'having an opinion' or 'having a dream'. For those, you'd use different verbs. Also, avoid it for things that are part of you, like 'having a body' (体 が ある - karada ga aru). It’s for things you *possess*, not things that *are* you. Think of it like this: you *have* a car, but you *are* a person. It’s a subtle distinction, but important!
Common Mistakes
Using ある (aru) for animate objects or people is a big no-no! ある is for inanimate things. So, ✗ 友達 が ある (tomodachi ga aru) is wrong. It sounds like you possess a friend like a stapler! The correct way is ✓ 友達 が いる (tomodachi ga iru). Another common slip is using 持つ (motsu) directly instead of 持っている (motte iru) when describing a current state. 持つ is more about the *act* of holding or acquiring, not the continuous state of having. So, ✗ 本 を 持つ (hon o motsu) might mean 'I will hold the book' or 'I get a book', but ✓ 本 を 持っている (hon o motte iru) clearly means 'I have the book'.
Similar Expressions
There's ある (aru) for inanimate objects you 'have' (like ペン が ある - pen ga aru, 'there is a pen'), and いる (iru) for animate beings ('there is' a person/animal, like 猫 が いる - neko ga iru, 'there is a cat'). While 持っている can sometimes overlap, it emphasizes *your* possession or control over the item. Think of ある/いる as 'existence' and 持っている as 'possession'. It’s like the difference between 'there is a car' and 'I have a car'.
Common Variations
Sometimes you'll hear just 持つ (motsu) used casually, especially in spoken Japanese, but it technically refers more to the action of holding or acquiring. The -te iru form (持っている) is crucial for the continuous state of 'having'. You might also hear 保有している (hoyou shite iru), which is much more formal, often used in business or legal contexts for owning assets. It’s like the difference between saying 'I've got my keys' and 'I am in possession of the aforementioned keys'.
Memory Trick
Picture yourself holding a *mochi* (餅). You have the *mochi* in your hand, and you're continuing to hold it. 持っている (motte iru) sounds a bit like 'mochi-te iru'. So, imagine you're saying, "I have this delicious *mochi*!" The image of holding that sticky rice cake helps you remember the 'holding' and 'having' connection.
Quick FAQ
Q. Can I use 持っている for my feelings?
A. Sometimes! You can say 心配 を 持っている (shinpai o motte iru) for 'I have worries', but for simpler emotions like 'I'm happy', you'd use 嬉しい (ureshii) or 幸せ (shiawase). It's more for a state of worry you're *dealing with*.
Q. What about abstract things like 'knowledge'?
A. It depends! For 'knowledge' (知識 - chishiki), you might say 知識 が ある (chishiki ga aru) - 'I have knowledge' (it exists). But if you mean you *possess* a specific skill learned, 持っている can work, like 運転技術 を 持っている (untengijutsu o motte iru) - 'I have driving skills'. Context is king!
Q. Is 持っている always about physical objects?
A. Nope! While it's great for physical things, it also works for less tangible items like a cold (風邪 を 引いている - kaze o hiite iru, literally 'have caught a cold', but similar vibe), a fever (熱 が ある - netsu ga aru, literally 'have a fever'), or even a qualification (資格 を 持っている - shikaku o motte iru).
Q. How formal is it?
A. It’s pretty neutral! You can use it in most everyday situations, from texting friends to talking with colleagues. It’s not super casual slang, but it’s definitely not stuffy or overly formal. It’s your reliable, everyday workhorse!
Q. What if I want to sound more formal?
A. For very formal situations, like in a business report or official document, you might see 保有している (hoyou shite iru) used. It means 'to possess' or 'to own' in a more official capacity. But for daily life, 持っている is perfectly fine!
Usage Notes
This phrase is very common and generally neutral in formality. While acceptable in most contexts, be mindful that for very formal business or legal situations, `保有している` (hoyou shite iru) might be more appropriate for expressing ownership. Avoid using `持っている` for animate beings; use `いる` (iru) instead.
The 'Pocket Test'
If the object can fit in your pocket, {持|も}っている is almost always the right choice.
The People Rule
Using {持|も}っている for a boyfriend or girlfriend makes you sound like a possessive kidnapper! Stick to 'iru'.
The Humble 'Orimasu'
When talking to a boss, use {持|も}っております to sound professional and humble.
Examples
12ねえ、チケット 持っている？
Hey, do you have the ticket?
Directly asks about possession of a physical item.
この新しいスマホ、すごく 使いやすいんだ。もう３日も持っているよ！
This new smartphone is really easy to use. I've had it for three days already!
Indicates possession of an object over a period of time.
はい、運転免許証は持っています。
Yes, I have my driver's license.
Confirms possession of a required document.
ついに念願の猫ちゃん！家族に迎えました。これからよろしくね！ #猫 #ペット #家族が増えた
Finally, my long-dreamed-of cat! Welcomed into the family. Nice to meet you from now on! #cat #pet #familyが増えた
Implies possession/having a new pet, though `いる` (iru) is more common for animals. This phrasing is slightly poetic.
すみません、クーポンコードを持っていますか？
Excuse me, do you have a coupon code?
Asking if the restaurant possesses or can apply a discount code.
私は高度なプログラミングスキルを持っています。
I possess advanced programming skills.
Formal way to state possession of skills/abilities.
昨夜から少し熱を持っているんだ。
I've had a slight fever since last night.
Used for a physical condition like a fever.
✗ あなたは本がある？ → ✓ あなたは本を持っている？
✗ Do you have a book? → ✓ Do you have a book?
`ある` is for inanimate existence, not personal possession of items.
机の上には、ペン、ノート、そして謎の消しゴムしか持っていない。
On my desk, I only have a pen, a notebook, and a mysterious eraser.
Lightly humorous statement about limited possessions.
✗ 私は友達を持っている。 → ✓ 私は友達がいる。
✗ I have a friend. → ✓ I have a friend.
`持っている` is for objects/concepts, not people or pets (use `いる` for them).
ついにゲットした！このガジェット、最高すぎる！✨
Finally got it! This gadget is the best! ✨
Implies possession after purchase, contextually understood.
彼、何か心配を持っているみたいだね。
It seems like he has some worries.
Used for abstract burdens or concerns.
Test Yourself
Choose the correct word to complete the sentence.
{私|わたし}は{弟|おとうと}が二{人|にん}（ ）。
For family members (people), you must use 'imasu'.
Fill in the blank with the correct form of {持|も}つ.
{今|いま}、{傘|かさ}を（ ）か？ {外|そと}は{雨|あめ}ですよ。
You are asking about the current state of having an umbrella.
Match the phrase to the situation.
Which phrase is used by a store clerk to ask if you have a bag?
This is the standard polite/honorific way to ask customers.
🎉 Score: /3
Visual Learning Aids
Possession vs. Existence
Practice Bank
3 exercises{私|わたし}は{弟|おとうと}が二{人|にん}（ ）。
For family members (people), you must use 'imasu'.
{今|いま}、{傘|かさ}を（ ）か？ {外|そと}は{雨|あめ}ですよ。
You are asking about the current state of having an umbrella.
Which phrase is used by a store clerk to ask if you have a bag?
This is the standard polite/honorific way to ask customers.
🎉 Score: /3
Video Tutorials
Find video tutorials on YouTube for this phrase.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questionsYes, you can, but it sounds like you are talking about your assets. {家|いえ}が{有|あ}る is more common for simple existence.
{持|も}つ is the action (picking it up). {持|も}っている is the state (already having it).
Yes, in casual speech 'motte-ru' is actually more common and sounds more natural.
Use {持|も}っていません (polite) or {持|も}ってない (casual).
Related Phrases
{持|も}ち{歩|ある}く
specialized formTo carry around.
{持|も}ち{合|あ}わせる
similarTo happen to have on hand.
{有|あ}る
contrastTo exist / To have.
{所持|しょじ}する
formalTo possess / To carry.
