保つ
You can use 'tamotsu' to talk about keeping something safe or in good condition.
Explanation at your level:
Hello! Today we are learning 保つ (tamotsu). It means to keep something safe. Like when you keep your toys in a box. Or when you keep a promise. It is like saying 'to hold' or 'to stay'. You can use it to say you want to keep being healthy. It's a good word to know for keeping things nice!
The verb 保つ (tamotsu) means to keep something or maintain it. Think about keeping your room clean, or keeping a friendship. You are trying to make sure something stays the same or stays good. For example, you can maintain your health by eating well. Or you can keep your belongings safe. It’s about making sure something doesn't change in a bad way.
保つ (tamotsu) is a useful verb for expressing the idea of maintaining or preserving something. It implies an active effort to keep something in a particular state or condition. For instance, you might use it to talk about maintaining your health (健康を保つ - kenkou o tamotsu) by exercising regularly, or preserving a friendship (友情を保つ - yuujou o tamotsu) through consistent communication. It’s a versatile word that can be applied to abstract concepts like relationships and health, as well as more concrete things like cleanliness or order.
The verb 保つ (tamotsu) signifies the act of maintaining, preserving, or holding something in a specific condition. It goes beyond simply 'keeping' and suggests a conscious effort to prevent deterioration or change. Common collocations include maintaining health (健康を保つ - kenkou o tamotsu), remaining calm (平静を保つ - heisei o tamotsu), or preserving a relationship (関係を保つ - kankei o tamotsu). Understanding these common uses helps you grasp the nuance of tamotsu in various contexts, from personal well-being to interpersonal dynamics.
保つ (tamotsu) is a nuanced verb denoting the sustained effort required to maintain, preserve, or uphold a state, condition, or relationship. It implies a proactive stance against entropy or decay. Consider its application in contexts such as maintaining strategic balance (戦略的均衡を保つ - senryakuteki kinkou o tamotsu) in international relations, or preserving cultural heritage (文化遺産を保つ - bunka isan o tamotsu). The verb often appears in more formal or analytical discourse, highlighting the deliberate action needed to ensure continuity and stability.
The verb 保つ (tamotsu), derived from the kanji 保 (protect, keep), embodies the concept of sustained preservation and active maintenance. Its usage extends beyond the mundane to encompass the safeguarding of abstract principles, societal structures, and delicate equilibria. For instance, one might discuss maintaining national security (国家の安全を保つ - kokka no anzen o tamotsu) or preserving the integrity of evidence (証拠の保全を保つ - shouko no hozen o tamotsu). The historical connotations of protection and nurturing embedded within the character 保 lend a depth to tamotsu, suggesting a commitment to upholding something of value against potential threats or degradation.
Word in 30 Seconds
- 保つ (tamotsu) means to keep, maintain, or preserve.
- It implies an effort to keep something in a desired state.
- Commonly used for health, relationships, composure, and condition.
- Distinguish from 持つ (motsu - to hold/have) and 守る (mamoru - to protect/keep promise).
Hey there! Let's dive into the wonderful Japanese verb 保つ (tamotsu). Think of it as your go-to word when you want to express the idea of keeping something in a certain state, maintaining it, or preserving it. It's a really useful verb that pops up in all sorts of situations, from taking care of your health to holding onto precious memories.
Imagine you're trying to stay healthy. You might say you want to kenkou o tamotsu (健康を保つ), meaning you want to maintain your health. Or perhaps you have a special friendship you want to cherish; you'd aim to yuujou o tamotsu (友情を保つ), to preserve that friendship. It’s all about ensuring something continues to exist or stays in a good condition over time. It’s a versatile word that carries a sense of care and continuity!
The kanji 保 (ho) itself has a long history, originating from ancient Chinese characters. It originally depicted a hand holding a baby, symbolizing protection and nurturing. Over time, its meaning expanded to include keeping, preserving, and maintaining. The verb tamotsu is the native Japanese reading of this character, often used in conjunction with other words to form compound verbs.
The character つ (tsu) at the end signifies that it’s a verb. This is a common pattern in Japanese, where kanji are combined with native verb endings. The core idea of tamotsu, rooted in protection and care, has remained consistent throughout its evolution. It’s fascinating how a single character can carry such a rich history and continue to be so relevant in modern language, helping us express the important act of keeping things safe and sound.
Tamotsu is a super versatile verb! You'll often hear it used in contexts related to health, relationships, and even physical objects. For instance, kenkou o tamotsu (健康を保つ) means to maintain health, while choushi o tamotsu (調子を保つ) means to keep in good condition (like a machine or your own body's performance).
When talking about relationships, yuujou o tamotsu (友情を保つ) means to preserve friendship, and kankei o tamotsu (関係を保つ) means to maintain a relationship. It can also be used for physical things, like shoumei o tamotsu (証明を保つ) to keep proof or seiketsu o tamotsu (清潔を保つ) to maintain cleanliness. The key is that you are actively working to keep something in its desired state.
In terms of formality, tamotsu is generally neutral and can be used in both casual and slightly more formal situations. It's not overly slangy, but it's also not stiffly academic. Think of it as your reliable, everyday verb for 'to keep' or 'to maintain' when you want to sound natural and clear.
While tamotsu itself is a core verb, it often appears in common phrases that function similarly to idioms. These expressions highlight the core meaning of preservation and maintenance.
- 健康を保つ (kenkou o tamotsu): This is the most common phrase, meaning to maintain one's health. It’s about actively taking steps to stay healthy. Example: Yasashii shokuji to katsudou de kenkou o tamotsu koto ga daiji desu. (Healthy eating and exercise are important for maintaining health.)
- 平静を保つ (heisei o tamotsu): To remain calm or keep one's composure, especially in a difficult situation. Example: Donna toki mo heisei o tamotsu you ni kokoro ga kerete imasu. (I try to keep my composure no matter what.)
- 関係を保つ (kankei o tamotsu): To maintain a relationship, often implying effort to keep it going smoothly. Example: Tsumi ni watashi wa tomodachi to kankei o tamotsu tame ni, tokidoki renraku o torimasu. (I keep in touch with my friends occasionally to maintain our relationship.)
- 調子を保つ (choushi o tamotsu): To keep in good condition or maintain performance. This can apply to people, machines, or even sports teams. Example: Gishou ni naru tame ni, budouka wa ichinenjuu choushi o tamotsu you ni renshuu shite imasu. (To become a champion, athletes train year-round to maintain their condition.)
- 清潔を保つ (seiketsu o tamotsu): To maintain cleanliness. This is a very practical phrase used in daily life. Example: Heya o seiketsu ni tamotsu koto wa, karada ni mo ii desu. (Keeping your room clean is good for your body too.)
Tamotsu is a Group 1 verb (a 'u'-verb) in Japanese, which means its conjugation follows a regular pattern. For example, the polite form is 保ちます (tamochimasu), and the past tense is 保った (tamotta). The negative form is 保たない (tamatanai).
Pronunciation is relatively straightforward. The 'ta' sound is like in 'tar', 'mo' like in 'mow', and 'tsu' is a unique Japanese sound, similar to the 'ts' in 'cats' but with a slight 'u' vowel sound. It’s often transcribed in IPA as /ta.mo.t͡sɯ/. In British English, it might sound a bit like 'tah-moh-tsoo', and in American English, 'tah-moh-tsoo'. There isn't a strong stress on any particular syllable; it's fairly evenly pronounced.
Rhyming words are tricky in Japanese as it's syllable-timed, but words ending in '-otsu' might share a similar feel, though not perfect rhymes in the English sense. Some words ending in similar sounds include motsuretsu (もつれつ) or kotsubo (こつぼ), but these are not direct rhymes.
Fun Fact
The concept of 'keeping' or 'maintaining' evolved from the idea of protecting and nurturing something precious, like a child.
Pronunciation Guide
Sounds like 'tuh-MOT-soo', with the emphasis slightly on the second syllable.
Similar to British, 'tuh-MOH-tsoo', with a slight 'oh' sound.
Common Errors
- Pronouncing 'tsu' too strongly like 'tsu-u'.
- Adding an unnecessary vowel sound after 'tsu'.
- Incorrect syllable stress, making it sound flat or unnatural.
Rhymes With
Difficulty Rating
Moderate, depends on context and collocations.
Requires understanding of nuances and correct usage.
Common verb, but correct usage needs practice.
Recognizable in common phrases.
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Advanced
Grammar to Know
Verb Conjugation (Group 1)
保つ -> 保ちます (tamochimasu) -> 保った (tamotta)
Using を with transitive verbs
Noun + を + 保つ (e.g., 健康を保つ)
Using に for state/manner
Adjective + に + 保つ (e.g., きれいに保つ)
Examples by Level
おもちゃを きれい に たもって ください。
toys / clean / keep / please
The particle に (ni) indicates the state after the action.
やくそく を たもって ください。
promise / keep / please
The particle を (o) marks the direct object of the verb.
げんき を たもって ください。
health / keep / please
げんき (genki) means 'healthy' or 'energetic'.
へや を きれい に たもって。
room / clean / keep
This is a casual command form.
この かぎ を たもって ください。
this / key / keep / please
This implies keeping the key safe.
しずか に たもって。
quiet / keep
Used to ask someone to be quiet.
みず を たもって ください。
water / keep
Implies careful handling.
えがお を たもって。
smile / keep
Encourages someone to keep smiling.
この じかん を たもって ください。
this / time / keep / please
Means to keep to a schedule or time.
かぞく と の なか を たもって います。
family / with / relationship / keep / am doing
なか (naka) here refers to the relationship.
へや を いつも きれい に たもって います。
room / always / clean / keep / am doing
The particle に (ni) indicates the state.
からだ の ちょうし を たもつ ため に、うんどう します。
body / condition / keep / for the purpose of / exercise / do
ちょうし (choushi) means condition or state.
しごと の でんわ を たもって ください。
work / phone / keep / please
Implies keeping the line open or being ready for a call.
この きもち を たもって いたい です。
this / feeling / keep / want to do
Refers to cherishing an emotion or feeling.
ふたり は なか を たもって います。
two people / relationship / keep / are doing
なか (naka) refers to the relationship between people.
たいせつな もの を たもって ください。
important / things / keep / please
たいせつな (taisetsu na) means important or precious.
健康を保つためには、バランスの取れた食事と適度な運動が不可欠です。
health / maintain / for / balanced / diet / and / moderate / exercise / essential / is
The phrase 〜ためには (tame ni wa) means 'in order to'.
彼はどんな困難な状況でも平静を保つことができる。
he / any / difficult / situation / even / calm / maintain / can do
平静を保つ (heisei o tamotsu) is a common collocation for 'remain calm'.
長年の友情を保つために、私たちは定期的に連絡を取り合っています。
many years / friendship / maintain / for / we / regularly / contact / take
長年 (naganen) means 'for many years'.
この機械は定期的なメンテナンスで最高の調子を保っています。
this / machine / regular / maintenance / best / condition / maintain / is doing
調子を保つ (choushi o tamotsu) is used for machines and performance.
会議では、常にプロフェッショナルな態度を保つよう心がけています。
meeting / in / always / professional / attitude / maintain / try to do
態度を保つ (taido o tamotsu) means to maintain an attitude.
清潔を保つことは、感染症の予防に役立ちます。
cleanliness / maintain / is / infectious diseases / prevention / helps
清潔を保つ (seiketsu o tamotsu) is a common phrase for maintaining hygiene.
子供たちの安全を保つことが、学校の最優先事項です。
children / safety / maintain / is / school / top priority / is
安全を保つ (anzen o tamotsu) means to maintain safety.
彼は常に冷静さを保ち、状況を客観的に分析する。
he / always / calmness / maintain / situation / objectively / analyze
冷静さを保つ (reisei sa o tamotsu) is another way to say 'remain calm'.
持続可能な開発のためには、環境への配慮を保ち続けることが不可欠です。
sustainable / development / for / environment / consideration / maintain / continue / essential / is
保ち続ける (tamochi tsuzukeru) means to continue maintaining.
危機管理においては、迅速かつ冷静さを保つことが求められる。
crisis management / in / swift / and / calmness / maintain / is / required
This sentence uses a more formal structure common in B2 level Japanese.
国際社会は、平和と安定を保つために協力しなければならない。
international society / peace / and / stability / maintain / for / cooperate / must do
平和と安定 (heiwa to antei) means peace and stability.
彼は、長年の努力によって築き上げた信頼関係を保つことに全力を尽くしている。
he / many years / effort / by / built up / trust relationship / maintain / in / all effort / is doing
築き上げた (tsukikageta) means 'built up' or 'established'.
この古代遺跡の景観を保つためには、厳格な保護措置が必要です。
this / ancient ruins / landscape / maintain / for / strict / protective measures / necessary / is
景観を保つ (keikan o tamotsu) means to preserve the landscape or scenery.
チームは、シーズンを通して高いパフォーマンスレベルを保つことを目指している。
team / season / throughout / high / performance level / maintain / aim / is doing
パフォーマンスレベル (pafōmansu reberu) is a loanword for 'performance level'.
個人のプライバシーを保つことは、情報化社会における重要な課題である。
individual / privacy / maintain / is / information society / in / important issue / is
プライバシー (purai bashī) is a loanword for 'privacy'.
彼は、どのような状況下でも礼儀正しさを保つように努めている。
he / any / situation / under / even / politeness / maintain / try to do / is endeavoring
礼儀正しさ (reigi tadashisa) means politeness or good manners.
現代社会において、個人の自由と公共の秩序との均衡を保つことは、常に議論の的となる。
modern society / in / individual / freedom / and / public / order / balance / maintain / is / always / topic of discussion / becomes
均衡を保つ (kinkou o tamotsu) means to maintain equilibrium or balance.
その外交官は、複雑な国際情勢の中で、中立的な立場を巧みに保っていた。
that / diplomat / complex / international situation / in / neutral / stance / skillfully / maintain / was
中立的な立場 (chuuritsu teki na tachiba) means a neutral position.
企業のブランドイメージを保つためには、一貫したコミュニケーション戦略が不可欠である。
company / brand image / maintain / for / consistent / communication strategy / essential / is
ブランドイメージ (burando imeeji) is a loanword for 'brand image'.
彼は、長年にわたる研究を通じて、その分野における権威としての地位を保っている。
he / many years / research / through / that / field / in / authority / as / position / maintain / is doing
権威 (ken'i) means authority or prestige.
この地域では、伝統的な文化遺産を現代的な生活様式と調和させながら保つ努力が続けられている。
this / region / traditional / cultural heritage / modern / lifestyle / with / harmonize / while / maintain / effort / is being continued
調和させる (chouwa saseru) means to harmonize or bring into balance.
証拠の保全を確実にするため、現場保存の徹底が求められる。
evidence / preservation / ensure / for / scene preservation / thoroughness / required / is
証拠の保全 (shouko no hozen) means preservation of evidence.
その政治家は、国民の信頼を保つために、公明正大な政治活動を心がけている。
that / politician / people / trust / maintain / for / fair / political activities / try to do
公明正大 (koumei seidai) means fair and just.
生態系のバランスを保つことは、地球全体の持続可能性にとって極めて重要である。
ecosystem / balance / maintain / is / Earth / entire / sustainability / for / extremely important / is
生態系 (seitaikei) means ecosystem.
国際秩序の維持は、国家間の相互不信を抑制し、協調関係を保つことによって達成される。
international order / maintenance / nations / between / mutual distrust / suppress / cooperative relationship / maintain / by / achieved / is
This sentence uses advanced vocabulary and complex sentence structure.
彼は、その芸術的探求の過程で、初期の革新的な精神を終生保ち続けた。
he / that / artistic / exploration / process / in / initial / innovative spirit / entire life / maintain / continued
終生 (shuusei) means 'for one's whole life'.
法廷では、被告人の人権を最大限に保ちつつ、公正な裁判の実施が求められる。
courtroom / in / defendant / human rights / maximum / maintain / while / fair / trial / implementation / required / is
人権を保つ (jinken o tamotsu) refers to upholding human rights.
その歴史家は、史料の客観性を保つため、あらゆる偏見を排除して分析を行った。
that / historian / historical materials / objectivity / maintain / for / all / bias / exclude / analysis / conducted
史料の客観性 (shiryou no kyakkansei) means the objectivity of historical sources.
長引く紛争下にあっても、人道支援組織は現地住民との信頼関係を保つことに尽力した。
prolonged / conflict / under / even / humanitarian aid organization / local residents / with / trust relationship / maintain / in / dedicated
尽力した (jinryoku shita) means 'made efforts' or 'worked hard'.
企業統治の観点から、株主との透明性のある関係を保つことが強く推奨される。
corporate governance / perspective / from / shareholders / with / transparency / relationship / maintain / strongly recommended / is
企業統治 (kigyou touchi) means corporate governance.
彼は、自己の芸術的理想を妥協することなく保ち、独自の表現を追求し続けた。
he / his own / artistic ideals / compromise / without / maintain / unique / expression / pursue / continued
妥協する (dakyou suru) means to compromise.
国家の威信を保つためには、国際社会における責任ある行動が不可欠である。
nation / prestige / maintain / for / international society / in / responsible / action / essential / is
威信を保つ (ishin o tamotsu) means to maintain national prestige or dignity.
Common Collocations
Idioms & Expressions
"健康を保つ (kenkou o tamotsu)"
To maintain one's health.
毎日運動して健康を保つようにしています。
neutral"平静を保つ (heisei o tamotsu)"
To remain calm and composed.
どんな緊急事態でも、彼は平静を保つことができた。
neutral"関係を保つ (kankei o tamotsu)"
To maintain a relationship.
遠距離恋愛でも、お互いを思いやることで関係を保つことができる。
neutral"清潔を保つ (seiketsu o tamotsu)"
To maintain cleanliness.
台所を清潔に保つことは、食中毒を防ぐために重要です。
neutral"調子を保つ (choushi o tamotsu)"
To keep in good condition or maintain performance.
アスリートは、試合に向けて最高の調子を保つ必要がある。
neutral"距離を保つ (kyori o tamotsu)"
To keep a distance (physically or emotionally).
コロナ禍では、他人との物理的な距離を保つことが推奨された。
neutralEasily Confused
Both relate to 'keeping' or 'holding'.
持つ is for physical possession or holding. 保つ is for maintaining a state, condition, or relationship over time.
傘を持つ (kasa o motsu) - to hold an umbrella. 健康を保つ (kenkou o tamotsu) - to maintain health.
Both can translate to 'keep' or 'protect'.
守る is more about protecting from harm, defending, or adhering to rules/promises. 保つ is about preserving a state or condition.
約束を守る (yakusoku o mamoru) - to keep a promise. 関係を保つ (kankei o tamotsu) - to maintain a relationship.
Both mean 'to maintain'.
維持する is often more formal and used for systems, structures, or conditions, especially in technical or official contexts. 保つ is more general and can be used in everyday conversation.
システムを維持する (shisutemu o iji suru) - to maintain a system. 平静を保つ (heisei o tamotsu) - to remain calm.
Both imply continuation.
続ける focuses on continuing an action or state. 保つ emphasizes keeping something in its current or desired state, often implying effort against change.
勉強を続ける (benkyou o tsuzukeru) - to continue studying. 勉強を保つ (benkyou o tamotsu) - would imply maintaining a certain level of knowledge or study habit.
Sentence Patterns
Noun + を + 保つ
健康を保つ (kenkou o tamotsu) - To maintain health.
Adjective + に + 保つ
きれいに保つ (kirei ni tamotsu) - To keep clean.
Noun + を + 保つ
関係を保つ (kankei o tamotsu) - To maintain a relationship.
Noun + を + 保つ
平静を保つ (heisei o tamotsu) - To maintain calmness.
Noun + を + 保つ
秩序を保つ (chitsujo o tamotsu) - To maintain order.
Word Family
Nouns
Related
How to Use It
Formality Scale
Common Mistakes
While 守る can mean 'keep' (like a promise), 保つ is better for maintaining a state like health or condition over time.
持つ is for the physical act of holding or possessing. 保つ implies keeping something in a specific condition or state.
If you just mean 'to have' or 'to hold' something, use 持つ (motsu), not 保つ.
保つ implies a more sustained effort to maintain a state, not just temporary storage.
As a Group 1 verb, its past tense follows the 'ta' form rule.
Tips
Memory Palace Trick
Imagine a 'Tamagotchi' (a virtual pet) that you have to constantly 'keep' alive and healthy. This links 'tamotsu' to the idea of 'keeping' something alive.
When Native Speakers Use It
Listen for 'tamotsu' when people talk about staying healthy, keeping friendships strong, or maintaining order in a group.
Cultural Insight
The Japanese emphasis on harmony and stability is reflected in verbs like 'tamotsu', highlighting the effort required to maintain good relationships and conditions.
Grammar Shortcut
Remember the pattern: [Thing to be maintained] + を (o) + 保つ (tamotsu). E.g., 健康 (health) + を + 保つ.
Say It Right
Practice the 'tsu' sound: it's like the end of 'cats' but with a slight 'u' vowel. Don't overemphasize it.
Don't Make This Mistake
Avoid using 保つ (tamotsu) for simply 'holding' an object. Use 持つ (motsu) for that!
Did You Know?
The kanji 保 (ho) originally looked like a hand holding a baby, emphasizing the idea of protection and nurturing which is central to 'tamotsu'.
Study Smart
Create flashcards with common phrases like 健康を保つ and use them in sentences daily.
Apply It Now
Think about something you want to maintain in your own life (e.g., a hobby, a friendship) and try to describe it using 保つ.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Imagine someone 'Taming' a wild horse (TAMotsu) to 'keep' it calm and under control.
Visual Association
Picture a sturdy, well-maintained bridge that has stood for many years, symbolizing 'tamotsu'.
Word Web
Challenge
Try using 'tamotsu' in three different sentences today: one about health, one about a relationship, and one about an object.
Word Origin
Chinese
Original meaning: The character 保 originally depicted a hand holding a baby, symbolizing protection and nurturing.
Cultural Context
No particular cultural sensitivity issues associated with this word.
In English, we use various verbs like 'maintain', 'preserve', 'keep', 'sustain', 'hold'. The Japanese 'tamotsu' often covers these nuances depending on context.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
Health and Wellness
- 健康を保つ (kenkou o tamotsu) - Maintain health
- 体調を保つ (taichou o tamotsu) - Maintain physical condition
- 活力を保つ (katsuryoku o tamotsu) - Maintain vitality
Relationships
- 友情を保つ (yuujou o tamotsu) - Preserve friendship
- 関係を保つ (kankei o tamotsu) - Maintain a relationship
- 信頼を保つ (shinrai o tamotsu) - Maintain trust
Personal State/Attitude
- 平静を保つ (heisei o tamotsu) - Remain calm
- 冷静を保つ (reisei o tamotsu) - Remain level-headed
- 自信を保つ (jishin o tamotsu) - Maintain confidence
Environment and Objects
- 清潔を保つ (seiketsu o tamotsu) - Maintain cleanliness
- 環境を保つ (kankyou o tamotsu) - Preserve the environment
- 調子を保つ (choushi o tamotsu) - Keep in good condition (for machines)
Conversation Starters
"What do you do to maintain your health? (健康を保つために何をしていますか？)"
"How do you try to maintain your friendships when you're busy?"
"Have you ever had to remain calm in a difficult situation? How did you do it?"
"What's important for maintaining a good relationship with family?"
"Do you think it's hard to maintain cleanliness in a small apartment?"
Journal Prompts
Write about a time you successfully maintained something important (a goal, a relationship, a habit).
Reflect on the challenges of maintaining health in modern life.
Describe a situation where you had to remain calm (平静を保つ). What helped you?
What steps can you take to better maintain your friendships or family relationships?
Frequently Asked Questions
8 questions持つ (motsu) means to physically hold, possess, or have something. 保つ (tamotsu) means to maintain, preserve, or keep something in a certain state or condition over time. For example, you 持つ a pen, but you 保つ your health.
Use 保つ when you want to express the idea of keeping something in good condition, preserving it, or maintaining a certain state. Common uses include maintaining health, relationships, cleanliness, or composure.
It's a moderately difficult verb. While the basic meaning is clear, mastering its nuances and common collocations takes practice. Its conjugation is regular, which helps.
Yes, but usually in the sense of maintaining their condition, not just holding them. For example, 'the car maintains its performance' (車の調子を保つ - kuruma no choushi o tamotsu) or 'keeping documents safe' (書類を保つ - shorui o tamotsu).
Common mistakes include confusing it with 持つ (motsu), using it for temporary states instead of sustained maintenance, and incorrect conjugation.
The verb itself is neutral. However, related nouns like 保持 (hoji) and 保全 (hozen) are more formal and used in specific contexts like business or technical writing.
Not directly in a reflexive way like 'I keep myself'. Instead, you'd say 'I maintain my health' (健康を保つ - kenkou o tamotsu) or 'I remain calm' (平静を保つ - heisei o tamotsu).
The opposite depends on the context. It could be 失う (ushinau - to lose), 壊す (kowasu - to break/destroy), or 止める (yameru - to stop).
Test Yourself
Please ______ your room clean.
The sentence asks to maintain the state of cleanliness, so 'keep' is the correct verb.
Which English word best translates 保つ (tamotsu) when talking about health?
保つ (tamotsu) in the context of health means to keep it in good condition, which is 'maintain'.
The verb 保つ (tamotsu) is primarily used for temporary actions.
保つ implies a sustained effort to keep something in a certain state over time, not a temporary action.
Word
Meaning
These are common collocations showing the versatile use of 保つ.
The correct sentence is 'Effort is necessary to maintain friendship.'
It is important to ______ a healthy lifestyle to prevent illness.
The context requires a word meaning to keep up or continue a healthy lifestyle.
Which Japanese phrase best captures the idea of 'preserving cultural heritage'?
保つ (tamotsu) is used for preservation and maintenance, making it suitable for cultural heritage.
The verb 保つ (tamotsu) can be used to describe the act of holding a physical object, similar to 持つ (motsu).
While both relate to 'keeping', 持つ is for physical holding/possession, whereas 保つ implies maintaining a state or condition.
The diplomat skillfully ______ a neutral stance amidst the international crisis.
'Upheld' is the best fit for maintaining a position or principle in a difficult situation, aligning with the nuance of 保つ.
To ensure the integrity of the investigation, it is crucial to ______ all evidence meticulously.
'Preserve' accurately reflects the meaning of 保つ in the context of safeguarding evidence.
Score: /10
Summary
保つ (tamotsu) is your go-to verb for actively keeping things in good condition or preserving them over time.
- 保つ (tamotsu) means to keep, maintain, or preserve.
- It implies an effort to keep something in a desired state.
- Commonly used for health, relationships, composure, and condition.
- Distinguish from 持つ (motsu - to hold/have) and 守る (mamoru - to protect/keep promise).
Memory Palace Trick
Imagine a 'Tamagotchi' (a virtual pet) that you have to constantly 'keep' alive and healthy. This links 'tamotsu' to the idea of 'keeping' something alive.
When Native Speakers Use It
Listen for 'tamotsu' when people talk about staying healthy, keeping friendships strong, or maintaining order in a group.
Cultural Insight
The Japanese emphasis on harmony and stability is reflected in verbs like 'tamotsu', highlighting the effort required to maintain good relationships and conditions.
Grammar Shortcut
Remember the pattern: [Thing to be maintained] + を (o) + 保つ (tamotsu). E.g., 健康 (health) + を + 保つ.
Example
健康を保つために運動している。
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
More health words
異変がある
B1To have an unusual change or abnormality.
異常な
B1Abnormal; unusual; irregular.
擦り傷
B1Scratch, graze, abrasion.
吸収する
B1To absorb.
禁酒
B1Abstinence from alcohol; the act of refraining from alcohol.
痛む
A2to hurt; to ache
鍼灸
B1Acupuncture and moxibustion; traditional Chinese medicine treatments.
急性的
B1Acute.
急性な
B1Acute
急性の
B1Acute; sudden and severe.
