持つ vs 所有する
Japanese word comparison
Listen to 持つ
Listen to 所有する
| 持つ | 所有する |
|---|---|
MO-tsu verb (godan) | しょゆうする (shoyuu suru) verb (godan) |
| to hold; to have; to possess; to carry | to own; to have legal or formal ownership |
How they differ
所有する emphasizes legal, formal, or long-term ownership of property or rights, whereas 持つ is broader and can mean temporarily carrying, having an attribute, or holding feelings. 所有する is inappropriate for transient holding or subjective states.
When to use each
When to use 持つ: Prefer 持つ for everyday situations: physically carrying things, having attributes, or describing feelings and intentions.
When to use 所有する: Prefer 所有する when you need to express legal/official ownership or formal possession (e.g., property, assets, rights).
Side-by-side examples
- 彼は高級車を持っている。
(He has/owns a luxury car.) - 彼は高級車を所有している。
(He legally owns a luxury car.)
Register & nuance: 所有する is more formal and legalistic (used in official, written, or business contexts) compared with the neutral, everyday 持つ.