持つ（もつ）Conjugation
JLPT N5 · Godan verb (Group 1) · Meaning: to hold / have
Full conjugation table
| Form | Japanese | Reading |
|---|---|---|
| Dictionary form The base form — casual speech and the stem for many grammar patterns. | 持つ | もつ |
| masu (polite present) Polite present/future affirmative. | 持ちます | もちます |
| masen (polite negative) Polite present negative. | 持ちません | もちません |
| mashita (polite past) Polite past affirmative. | 持ちました | もちました |
| masen deshita (polite past neg.) Polite past negative. | 持ちませんでした | もちませんでした |
| te-form The most versatile form — linking, requests, progressive and more. | 持って | もって |
| ta (plain past) Plain past affirmative. | 持った | もった |
| nai (plain negative) Plain present negative. | 持たない | もたない |
| nakatta (plain past neg.) Plain past negative. | 持たなかった | もたなかった |
| Potential Ability or possibility — 'can do'. | 持てる | もてる |
| Passive Passive voice — 'to be done to'. | 持たれる | もたれる |
| Causative Causative — 'to make/let someone do'. | 持たせる | もたせる |
| Volitional Volitional — 'let's…' or intention. | 持とう | もとう |
| Imperative Imperative — a strong command; used sparingly. | 持て | もて |
| Prohibitive Prohibitive — 'don't do it!'. | 持つな | もつな |
| Conditional (ba) Hypothetical 'if' — leans written. | 持てば | もてば |
| Conditional (tara) The most versatile everyday 'if / when'. | 持ったら | もったら |
Example sentences
- 重いかばんを手に持って歩く。 — I walk while holding a heavy bag in my hand.
- 重そうですね、荷物を持ちましょうか。 — That looks heavy—shall I carry your bag?
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