Meaning
The kanji 持 is a Grade 3 character and a staple for JLPT N4 learners. While it literally means to hold something in your hand, its use extends far beyond physical grasping. It describes carrying a bag, owning a car, or even 'holding' an abstract feeling in your heart. You will see it everywhere in daily life, from restaurant menus to discussions about personal opinions.
Visually, this kanji combines action with stability. The left side is the hand radical 扌 (tehen), signaling a physical movement. The right side is temple 寺. Historically, temples were places where sacred items and traditions were preserved or maintained. Together, these parts suggest using your hand to keep something steady or in your possession.
With 9 strokes, the character is balanced but requires care. The hand radical should be narrow, leaving enough room for the temple component on the right. Mastering this kanji helps you understand common daily phrases like kimochi (feeling) and mochikaeri (take-out).
Readings
On'yomi (音読み) — Chinese-derived readings
The primary reading is ジ (ji). It appears in formal compounds (jukugo) related to maintenance, support, or duration. You will rarely see this reading on its own; it almost always pairs with other kanji to form nouns or verbs.
支持 (shiji) — Support or backing (e.g., supporting a political candidate).
維持 (iji) — Maintenance or preservation (e.g., maintaining a certain weight or standard).
持続 (jizoku) — Continuation or duration (e.g., how long a medicine's effect lasts).
Kun'yomi (訓読み) — Native Japanese readings
The native reading is も.つ (mo.tsu). This is the root of the verb 持つ, one of the most versatile verbs in Japanese. It covers everything from the act of carrying a suitcase to having a specific personality trait. It also appears in many compound nouns describing physical handling.
持つ (motsu) — To hold, carry, or possess.
持ち物 (mochimono) — One's personal belongings or effects.
金持ち (kanemochi) — A wealthy person (literally, one who 'holds' money).
Common Words & Compounds
The kanji 持 appears in physical, emotional, and social contexts. Here are the essential terms every N4 student should recognize:
Physical Actions
- 持ち上げる (mochiageru) — To lift up or raise something heavy.
- 持ち歩く (mochiaruku) — To carry something around with you (like a laptop or water bottle).
- 手荷物 (tenimotsu) — Hand luggage or carry-on baggage.
- 持ち帰り (mochikaeri) — Take-out or to-go food.
Emotions and States of Mind
- 気持ち (kimochi) — Feeling, mood, or a small token of gratitude.
- 自信を持つ (jishin o motsu) — To have confidence in oneself.
- 興味を持つ (kyoumi o motsu) — To take an interest in a hobby or subject.
- 責任を持つ (sekinin o motsu) — To take responsibility for a task.
Specific Concepts
- 持ち主 (mochinushi) — The owner of an object.
- 持病 (jibyou) — A chronic illness (a sickness one 'holds' long-term).
- 長持ちする (nagamochi suru) — To be durable or last a long time.
Example Sentences
重い荷物を持っています。
Omoi nimotsu o motte imasu.
I am carrying heavy luggage.
明日は傘を持って行ったほうがいいですよ。
Ashita wa kasa o motte itta hou ga ii desu yo.
You should take an umbrella with you tomorrow.
今、あまり現金を持っていません。
Ima, amari genkin o motte imasen.
I don't have much cash on me right now.
この公園はとても気持ちがいいです。
Kono kouen wa totemo kimochi ga ii desu.
This park feels very pleasant.
日本の文化に興味を持っています。
Nihon no bunka ni kyoumi o motte imasu.
I am interested in Japanese culture.
コーヒーを持ち帰りでお願いします。
Koohii o mochikaeri de onegaishimasu.
I'd like a coffee to go, please.
彼女は自分の考えをしっかり持っています。
Kanojo wa jibun no kangae o shikkari motte imasu.
She has very firm opinions of her own.
平和な状態を維持するのは難しいです。
Heiwa na joutai o iji suru no wa muzukashii desu.
It is difficult to maintain a state of peace.
Related Kanji
- 黒 — Black, Dark (Kanji N4)
- 洗 — Wash (Kanji N4)
- 走 — Run, Move fast (Kanji N4)
- 思 — To Think, Feel, Imagine (Kanji N4)
- 写 — Copy, Photograph, Describe (Kanji N4)
- 終 — End, Finish, Conclude (Kanji N4)
Memory Tip
To remember the kanji 持, imagine a monk at a temple (寺) who is carefully holding a sacred relic in his hand (扌). Since monks spend their lives preserving ancient traditions at temples, they must 'hold' onto their beliefs and physical artifacts with great care. Whenever you see this kanji, think of that steady, purposeful 'holding' by a hand at a temple.