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JLPT N36画 · 6 strokesradical 持grade 3freq #1232

hold, possess

On'yomi (音読み)

Kun'yomi (訓読み)

  • も.つ
  • も.てる

Mnemonic

A person grips tightly onto a large object with both hands, illustrating the act of holding and possessing it firmly.

About this kanji

The kanji 持 means "to hold" or "to possess." It's commonly used as both a verb and in compound words. For example, 持ち物 (もちもの) means "belongings," referring to things you carry with you, while 持続 (じぞく) translates to "continuation," often used in contexts like maintaining a state or action. Another example is 保持 (ほじ), which means "retention," indicating keeping something in your possession. Additionally, 持参 (じさん) means "bringing" and is often used when discussing items you take along to a meeting or event. In everyday conversation, remember that while the kanji focuses on the action of holding or possessing, it can also express the idea of carrying various items.

Example sentences

  • 彼女は本を持っています。

    She has a book.

Meanings across languages

English
hold, possess
Tiếng Việt
cầm, nắm giữ
日本語
持つ, 所有する
한국어
가지다, 소유하다
中文
持有, 拥有
id
memiliki, memegang
th
ถือ, ครอบครอง
es
sostener, poseer
fr
tenir, posséder
de
halten, besitzen
pt
manter, possuir

Common compounds

  • 持ち物もちものbelongings, things to carry
  • 持続じぞくcontinuation, sustainability
  • 保持ほじretention, maintenance
  • 持参じさんbringing, taking along

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