Japanese Word of the Day
持つ
MO-tsu • verb (Godan/u-verb) — 5th of May, 2026
Listen to pronunciation
Meaning: to hold, to carry, to have/possess; to take responsibility
Examples
- このかばんを持ってください。
(Please carry/hold this bag.) - 彼は車を持っている。
(He owns a car.) - チームリーダーとして責任を持つべきだ。
(You should take responsibility as the team leader.)
Synonyms
- 持っている
- 所有する
- 抱える
持つ is a very common verb used for physical holding (carry a bag), possession (own something), and abstract meanings like taking responsibility or having a feeling. In speech you often hear the -ている form (持っている) to indicate possession or current holding. For polite requests use 持ってください. In formal writing 所有する is a more formal synonym for 'to own/possess.'
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