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B2 noun, verb #2,500 most common 8 min read

保持

hoji
Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 保持 in 30 Seconds
Explanation 保持 in your Level:
At the A1 level, you don't need to use 'hoji' (保持) yet. Instead, you use the simple verb 'motsu' (持つ) which means 'to hold' or 'to have.' For example, 'I have a pen' is 'Pen o motte imasu.' 'Hoji' is a very formal word that you will see later in your studies. For now, just remember that 'motsu' is for physical things in your hand. 'Hoji' is like a super-formal version of 'motsu' used for big things like world records or computer data. If you see it, just think 'to keep' or 'to hold.'
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At the A2 level, you might start seeing 'hoji' (保持) in simple news titles or health tips. It means 'to keep' a state. For example, 'Kenko hoji' means 'keeping your health.' You can think of it as a formal way to say 'keep.' While you would still use 'motte imasu' for your bag, you might see 'hoji' in a sentence about a sports player who 'holds' a record. It's a 'Level 2' way of saying 'have' or 'keep.' Focus on recognizing it in compound words like 'Kiroku hoji' (holding a record).
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At the B1 level, you should begin to use 'hoji' (保持) in formal writing or when discussing specific topics like sports and technology. You should understand that 'hoji' implies 'retention' over time. For instance, if you are talking about a soccer match, you can use 'ball hoji-ritsu' to talk about possession. In business, you might talk about 'data hoji.' The key at B1 is to distinguish 'hoji' from 'motsu.' 'Motsu' is for general having, but 'hoji' is for 'retaining a specific status or record.'
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At the B2 level, you are expected to use 'hoji' (保持) accurately in professional and academic contexts. You should be able to explain the difference between 'hoji' (retention), 'iji' (maintenance), and 'hozon' (preservation). B2 learners use 'hoji' to describe the retention of rights, the holding of political power, or the maintenance of physical properties in science. You should also be comfortable with the noun form 'hoji' and the verb form 'hoji suru.' You should recognize collocations like 'genjo hoji' (maintaining the status quo).
At the C1 level, you should have a nuanced command of 'hoji' (保持). You understand its use in legal statutes (e.g., evidence retention) and complex psychological theories (e.g., cognitive retention). You can use it to describe abstract concepts like 'maintaining the integrity of a system' or 'retaining the essence of a tradition.' You are also aware of its synonyms like 'kenji' (adhering to) or 'shushu' (defending/keeping) and can choose the most appropriate one based on the desired register and nuance. Your usage should be indistinguishable from a native speaker in formal reports.
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At the C2 level, 'hoji' (保持) is a tool for precision. You use it to discuss the delicate balance of power, the long-term retention of cultural identity in a globalized world, or the technical specifics of quantum state retention. You understand the etymological roots and how they inform the word's current formal weight. You can use 'hoji' in high-level debates to distinguish between 'possessing' a right and 'retaining' its functional application. You are also capable of using it in literary contexts to describe the preservation of a fleeting moment or state of mind.
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Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

保持 in 30 Seconds

  • Hoji means to retain or maintain a specific state, record, or official position formally.
  • It is composed of 'ho' (preserve) and 'ji' (hold), suggesting an active preservation of status.
  • Commonly used in sports for records, IT for data, and law for document retention.
  • It differs from 'iji' (maintenance of levels) and 'hozon' (storage/saving) by focusing on possession of the state.

The Japanese term 保持 (hoji) is a sophisticated noun and suru-verb that translates primarily to 'retention,' 'maintenance,' or 'holding.' At its core, it describes the act of keeping something in a specific state, position, or condition over a period of time. Unlike the simple verb 'motsu' (to hold), hoji implies a level of formality, duration, and often a technical or official context. It is composed of two kanji: 保 (ho), meaning to protect, guarantee, or preserve, and 持 (ji), meaning to hold or have. Together, they create a concept of 'holding with the intent to preserve.'

Physical Retention
Refers to maintaining a physical posture or state, such as holding a specific pose in yoga or keeping a steady temperature in a laboratory setting.
Abstract Retention
Used for maintaining records, status, or power. For example, a champion 'holding' a world record or a political party 'retaining' its majority.
Technical/Data Retention
In IT and legal contexts, it refers to the storage and preservation of data, logs, or evidence for a required duration.

彼は10年以上も世界記録を保持している。
(He has held the world record for over 10 years.)

In the realm of sports, hoji is the standard term for record-holders (記録保持者 - kiroku hojisha). It suggests that the record isn't just a past event, but a current status being actively 'held' against challengers. In a medical or health context, it refers to the maintenance of health (健康保持) or the retention of physical functions. The nuance here is active preservation; if you stop the effort, the state might be lost.

データの整合性を保持するために、定期的なバックアップが必要です。
(To maintain data integrity, regular backups are necessary.)

Historically, the kanji 保 originally depicted a person carrying a child on their back, symbolizing protection and nurturing. The kanji 持 depicts a hand holding an object. Combined, they evoke the image of carefully holding something to ensure its safety and continued existence. This is why the word is so common in legal and technical documents where 'keeping' something is a formal requirement.

この契約書は最低5年間、原本を保持しなければならない。
(The original copy of this contract must be retained for at least five years.)

Legal Context
The preservation of evidence or documentation (証拠保持).
Scientific Context
The retention of a chemical state or temperature (温度保持).

若さを保持するための秘訣は何ですか？
(What is the secret to maintaining your youth?)

Furthermore, in the context of psychology or cognitive science, hoji refers to memory retention (記憶保持). It describes the brain's ability to keep information stored over time. If information is not 'held' (hoji), it is forgotten. This highlights the word's versatility across physical, digital, and mental domains.

短期記憶の保持時間は非常に短い。
(The retention time of short-term memory is very short.)

Using 保持 (hoji) correctly requires understanding its formal tone. It is rarely used in casual conversation to describe holding a physical object like a bag (where you would use motsu). Instead, use it when discussing systems, records, or long-term states. It functions as a noun or a suru-verb (保持する).

Grammar Pattern 1: [Object] + を + 保持する
This is the most common active form. Used for records, positions, or data. Example: 'Kiroku o hoji suru' (To hold a record).
Grammar Pattern 2: [Noun] + 保持
Used as a compound noun. Example: 'Kenko hoji' (Health maintenance) or 'Kiroku hojisha' (Record holder).

彼はその地位を保持するために懸命に働いた。
(He worked hard to retain that position.)

In business and IT, hoji is often paired with specific timeframes. You will see phrases like '10-nenkan hoji' (10-year retention). This is crucial for compliance and data management policies. When writing emails, use it to sound professional when discussing the storage of documents or the maintenance of a certain standard of service.

日本チームのボール保持率は60%を超えていた。
(The Japanese team's ball possession rate exceeded 60%.)

When discussing health, hoji is used for maintaining a state that already exists. For example, 'kinryoku hoji' (maintaining muscle strength) suggests that the person already has the muscle and is working to keep it from degrading. This differs from 'kyoka' (strengthening), which implies increasing it.

高齢者にとって、歩行能力の保持は自立した生活に不可欠だ。
(For the elderly, maintaining walking ability is essential for independent living.)

Common Collocations
Genjo hoji (maintaining the status quo), Kiroku hoji (holding a record), Kenko hoji (maintaining health).

You will encounter 保持 (hoji) in several distinct environments, primarily those involving formal reporting, technical specifications, or competitive achievements. It is a staple of news broadcasts, academic papers, and corporate policy manuals.

1. Sports News
Whenever a world record is broken or a championship title is defended, the word hoji is used to describe the status of the athlete. 'Sekai kiroku hojisha' is a term you will see on screen during the Olympics.
2. Corporate and Legal Settings
In meetings regarding data privacy (like GDPR or Japan's APPI), 'data hoji kikan' (data retention period) is a key term. Lawyers use it when discussing the 'hoji' of evidence.
3. Science and Technology
Laboratory manuals often instruct researchers to 'hoji' a certain temperature or pressure level. In computing, it refers to the 'hoji' of state in a program or the retention of charge in a battery.

この物質は極低温でその性質を保持する。
(This substance retains its properties at extremely low temperatures.)

In daily life, you might see it on product packaging, especially for food or cosmetics. 'Sendo hoji' (freshness retention) is a common marketing term for specialized containers or preservatives. If you are in Japan, look for 'Sendo hoji pakku' (freshness-keeping packs) in the supermarket.

与党は過半数の議席を保持した。
(The ruling party retained a majority of the seats.)

Finally, in the context of driving or machinery, 'shasen hoji' (lane keeping) is a term used in advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS). 'Shasen hoji shien shisutemu' is the Japanese term for Lane Keep Assist.

While 保持 (hoji) is a versatile word, learners often confuse it with similar-sounding or similar-meaning terms like iji (維持), hozon (保存), or motsu (持つ). Understanding the boundaries of hoji is key to sounding natural.

Mistake 1: Using it for physical 'holding'
Don't say 'Kaban o hoji shite kudasai' when asking someone to hold your bag. Use 'motte ite kudasai.' Hoji is too formal and implies a long-term 'retention' of the bag as a status.
Mistake 2: Confusing with 維持 (iji)
Iji is about 'maintenance' of a level or standard (like maintaining a speed or a relationship). Hoji is about 'retaining' a specific thing or state (like a record or a document). While they overlap, hoji is more about the 'possession' of the state.
Mistake 3: Confusing with 保存 (hozon)
Hozon is 'preservation' or 'saving' (like saving a file or preserving food). Hoji is more about the 'holding' of the state. You 'hozon' a file to 'hoji' the data.

❌ 荷物を保持してください。
✅ 荷物を持っていてください。
(Please hold my luggage.)

Another common error is using hoji for emotional states. While you can 'hoji' a mental state in a psychological context, you wouldn't usually say you 'hoji' a feeling of happiness. For emotions, 'tamotsu' (保つ) or 'tsuzukeru' (続ける) are more appropriate.

❌ 幸せを保持する。
✅ 幸せな気持ちを保つ。
(To maintain a feeling of happiness.)

Lastly, be careful with the particle. It almost always takes 'o' (を) when used as a verb. Using 'ga' (が) is only appropriate in passive or descriptive contexts where the state itself is the subject.

To truly master 保持 (hoji), you must understand its place within a family of related Japanese terms. Each has a specific nuance that dictates its usage.

維持 (Iji)
Focuses on 'maintenance' or 'sustainment.' Used for standards, levels, or systems. Example: 'Genjo iji' (maintaining the current situation/standard).
保存 (Hozon)
Focuses on 'preservation' or 'storage.' Used for files, food, or historical sites. Example: 'Fairu o hozon suru' (save a file).
確保 (Kakuho)
Focuses on 'securing' or 'ensuring.' Used when you need to obtain and then keep something, like a seat or a budget. Example: 'Yosan o kakuho suru' (secure a budget).
堅持 (Kenji)
A very strong version of 'holding,' meaning to 'adhere strictly' to a policy or belief. Example: 'Shinnen o kenji suru' (adhere to one's beliefs).

資料を保存し、その内容の正確性を保持する。
(Save the documents and retain the accuracy of their content.)

The difference between hoji and iji is often the most confusing. Think of it this way: Hoji is about 'having' the thing (like a record), while Iji is about 'keeping the engine running' (like a relationship or a speed). If you 'hoji' a record, you are the owner of it. If you 'iji' a speed, you are making sure it doesn't slow down.

彼は冷静さを保った。
(He kept his cool.) - Note: 'Tamotsu' is often used for internal states instead of 'hoji'.

In academic writing, you might also see 固執 (koshitsu), which means 'persistence' or 'clinging to,' often with a negative nuance of being stubborn. Hoji is neutral and objective, whereas koshitsu implies an refusal to change.

How Formal Is It?

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

Grammar to Know

〜を保持する (Direct object)

〜の保持 (Noun phrase)

〜し続ける (Continuing to hold)

〜によって保持される (Passive: held by...)

〜を保持したまま (While maintaining...)

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Examples by Level

1

彼はペンを持っています。

He has a pen.

Using 'motsu' for physical objects.

2

この本を持ってください。

Please hold this book.

Imperative form of 'motsu'.

3

私はかばんを持っています。

I have a bag.

Simple possession.

4

テニスラケットを持っていますか？

Do you have a tennis racket?

Question form.

5

傘を持って行きます。

I will take an umbrella.

Motte iku (to take).

6

重い荷物を持っています。

I am holding heavy luggage.

Describing physical state.

7

切符を持っています。

I have the ticket.

Possession of a small item.

8

カメラを持ってきました。

I brought a camera.

Motte kuru (to bring).

1

健康を保持しましょう。

Let's maintain our health.

Formal 'keep' in health context.

2

彼は世界記録を保持しています。

He holds the world record.

Hoji used for records.

3

この部屋は温度を保持します。

This room maintains the temperature.

Hoji for physical states.

4

データの保持が大切です。

Keeping data is important.

Noun form 'hoji'.

5

良い状態を保持してください。

Please maintain the good condition.

Requesting maintenance of state.

6

若さを保持する秘訣は何ですか？

What is the secret to staying young?

Hoji for abstract state (youth).

7

この容器は鮮度を保持します。

This container keeps things fresh.

Sendo hoji (freshness retention).

8

彼は高い地位を保持している。

He holds a high position.

Hoji for social status.

1

この書類は5年間保持する必要があります。

These documents need to be retained for 5 years.

Formal requirement usage.

2

サッカーの試合でボール保持率を上げる。

Increase the ball possession rate in the soccer match.

Technical sports term.

3

パスワードの秘密を保持してください。

Please keep the password secret.

Retention of information/secrecy.

4

彼は冷静さを保持しようと努めた。

He tried to maintain his composure.

Maintaining a mental state.

5

この薬は体温を一定に保持する効果がある。

This medicine has the effect of keeping body temperature constant.

Scientific/Medical effect.

6

古い建物の美しさを保持するのは難しい。

It is difficult to maintain the beauty of old buildings.

Preservation of aesthetic state.

7

彼は自分の意見を最後まで保持した。

He held onto his opinion until the end.

Holding an abstract stance.

8

情報の整合性を保持することが不可欠だ。

Maintaining information integrity is essential.

IT/Technical context.

1

証拠を保持するために、現場を保存する。

Preserve the scene to retain the evidence.

Legal/Investigative context.

2

その企業は市場での優位性を保持している。

The company retains its advantage in the market.

Business strategy context.

3

この法律は個人の権利を保持するためにある。

This law exists to protect/retain individual rights.

Legal rights context.

4

彼は長年、そのタイトルを保持し続けている。

He has continued to hold that title for many years.

Continuous retention of a title.

5

システムの安定性を保持するためのアップデート。

An update to maintain system stability.

Technical maintenance.

6

現状を保持するだけでは、成長は望めない。

You cannot expect growth just by maintaining the status quo.

Genjo hoji (status quo).

7

この物質は高温でも硬度を保持する。

This material retains its hardness even at high temperatures.

Material science context.

8

彼は複数の国家資格を保持している。

He holds multiple national qualifications.

Possession of official qualifications.

1

政権を保持するために、なりふり構わぬ策を講じる。

Taking desperate measures to retain political power.

Political power retention.

2

文化的なアイデンティティを保持することは、グローバル化の中で重要だ。

Retaining cultural identity is important amidst globalization.

Sociological context.

3

このアルゴリズムはデータの機密性を高度に保持する。

This algorithm maintains a high level of data confidentiality.

Cybersecurity context.

4

彼は自己の尊厳を保持しつつ、困難に立ち向かった。

He faced difficulties while maintaining his dignity.

Abstract personal quality.

5

過去の判例との整合性を保持することが求められる。

Maintaining consistency with past judicial precedents is required.

Legal/Judicial consistency.

6

細胞の機能を保持するための複雑なメカニズム。

A complex mechanism for maintaining cellular function.

Biological/Scientific context.

7

彼は沈黙を保持することで、無言の圧力をかけた。

By maintaining silence, he exerted silent pressure.

Tactical use of state.

8

ブランドの価値を保持するための厳格な品質管理。

Strict quality control to maintain brand value.

Brand management context.

1

宇宙の熱的死を防ぎ、秩序を保持することは物理的に不可能だ。

It is physically impossible to prevent the heat death of the universe and maintain order.

Cosmological/Entropy context.

2

その条約は、地域の軍事的均衡を保持する役割を果たしている。

The treaty plays a role in maintaining the regional military balance.

Geopolitical balance.

3

意識の連続性を保持する主体としての『自己』の探求。

An exploration of the 'self' as the subject that maintains continuity of consciousness.

Philosophical/Metaphysical context.

4

法治国家としての正当性を保持し得るかが問われている。

The question is whether it can maintain its legitimacy as a state governed by the rule of law.

Political legitimacy.

5

伝統芸能の神髄を保持しつつ、現代的な解釈を加える。

While retaining the essence of traditional performing arts, adding a modern interpretation.

Artistic preservation vs innovation.

6

情報の非対称性を保持することで、取引上の優位を得る。

Gaining a transactional advantage by maintaining information asymmetry.

Economic/Game theory context.

7

量子ビットの重ね合わせ状態を長時間保持する技術の開発。

Development of technology to maintain the superposition state of qubits for a long time.

Quantum physics context.

8

言語の純粋性を保持しようとする試みは、しばしば変化を阻害する。

Attempts to maintain linguistic purity often hinder change.

Linguistic purism context.

Synonyms

維持 保有 堅持 キープ 保持

Antonyms

喪失 放棄 放出

Common Collocations

記録を保持する (Hold a record)
データを保持する (Retain data)
地位を保持する (Maintain a position)
健康を保持する (Maintain health)
秘密を保持する (Keep a secret)
鮮度を保持する (Maintain freshness)
均衡を保持する (Maintain balance)
整合性を保持する (Maintain integrity)
議席を保持する (Retain seats)
原型を保持する (Maintain original form)

Common Phrases

記録保持者 (Record holder)
データ保持期間 (Data retention period)
現状保持 (Maintaining the status quo)
ボール保持率 (Ball possession rate)
守秘義務の保持 (Maintaining confidentiality)
健康保持増進 (Health maintenance and promotion)
証拠保持 (Evidence retention)
車線保持支援 (Lane keep assist)
若さの保持 (Maintaining youth)
身心の保持 (Maintenance of mind and body)

Often Confused With

保持 vs 維持 (Iji)

Iji is 'keeping a level/standard', Hoji is 'keeping a record/status'.

保持 vs 保存 (Hozon)

Hozon is 'saving/storing', Hoji is 'retaining the state/possession'.

保持 vs 保持 (Hoji) vs 把握 (Haaku)

Haaku is 'grasping/understanding', Hoji is 'holding/retaining'.

Idioms & Expressions

"初志を保持する (Maintain one's original intention)"
"中立を保持する (Maintain neutrality)"
"威厳を保持する (Maintain dignity)"
"沈黙を保持する (Maintain silence)"
"平静を保持する (Maintain composure)"
"一貫性を保持する (Maintain consistency)"
"独立を保持する (Maintain independence)"
"名誉を保持する (Maintain honor)"
"伝統を保持する (Maintain tradition)"
"距離を保持する (Maintain distance)"

Easily Confused

保持 vs

保持 vs

保持 vs

保持 vs

保持 vs

Sentence Patterns

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How to Use It

social nuance

Using 'hoji' for power or status can sometimes sound cold or clinical.

technical nuance

In computing, 'hoji' refers to non-volatile storage or state persistence.

difference from iji

Iji is about the process of maintenance; Hoji is about the state of possession.

Common Mistakes
  • Using 'hoji' for holding a physical object (like a phone).
  • Confusing 'hoji' with 'iji' when talking about maintaining a speed.
  • Using 'hoji' for 'saving' a video game (use 'hozon' or 'sebu').
  • Forgetting the 'suru' when using it as a verb.
  • Using 'hoji' for emotional feelings (use 'tamotsu').

Tips

Verb Usage

Always remember that 'hoji' becomes a verb by adding 'suru'. It is a transitive verb, so use the 'o' particle for the object.

Compound Nouns

Learn 'hoji' as part of compounds like 'Kiroku Hoji' or 'Data Hoji' to see how it functions in the real world.

Sports Terms

Watch a soccer match in Japanese. You will likely hear 'ball hoji-ritsu' many times during the commentary.

Business Emails

Use 'hoji' when discussing document retention periods with clients to sound more authoritative and professional.

Nuance Check

Before using 'hoji', ask yourself: 'Is this a record, a state, or a position?' If yes, 'hoji' is likely correct.

Pitch Accent

The pitch drops after the first syllable 'ho'. Practicing this will make your Japanese sound much more natural.

Social Harmony

Understand that 'Genjo Hoji' (status quo) is a significant concept in Japanese society, often discussed in politics.

Synonym Mapping

Create a map of 'keep' words: Hoji (Status), Iji (Process), Hozon (Storage), Kakuho (Securing).

News Keywords

News anchors use 'hoji' frequently. It's a great 'anchor' word to help you understand the topic of a report.

The Holder

Think of a 'Holder' who is 'Protecting' a secret. This covers both kanji and the core meaning.

Memorize It

Word Origin

Cultural Context

The government promotes 'Kenko Hoji' through national exercise programs.

Japanese sports media focuses heavily on 'ball possession' (hoji-ritsu) as a key metric of skill.

Data retention (hoji) is strictly regulated by the Personal Information Protection Act.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Conversation Starters

"世界記録を保持している日本人を知っていますか？"

"データの保持期間についてどう思いますか？"

"若さを保持するために何をしていますか？"

"このチームのボール保持率は高いですね。"

"現状を保持するのは難しいことだと思いますか？"

Journal Prompts

自分が保持している一番大切な記録は何ですか？

健康を保持するために毎日していることを書いてください。

仕事でデータをどのように保持していますか？

10年後も保持していたい自分の長所は何ですか？

社会の安定を保持するために必要なことは何だと思いますか？

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No, 'hoji' is too formal for physical objects. Use 'motsu' instead. 'Hoji' is for records or data.

It is rare in casual talk. You will mostly hear it on the news, in sports, or at work.

It means 'Record Holder,' like someone who holds a Guinness World Record.

It is neutral. It simply describes the act of retaining something, though keeping a record is usually positive.

Generally no. Use 'tamotsu' for keeping your cool or 'tsuzukeru' for continuing a feeling.

Hozon is the act of saving a file. Hoji is the policy of how long that data stays in the system.

Yes, as a verb it usually takes 'o' (を) to indicate what is being held.

Yes, 'chii o hoji suru' means to retain one's social or professional status.

Yes, it is very common when discussing the retention of properties in experiments.

Think of 'Protect' (保) and 'Hold' (持). You are protecting what you hold.

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