持つ（もつ）
JLPT N5 · Godan verb (Group 1)
Pitch accent: atamadaka (head-high) — first mora high, then falls
Meaning: to hold / have
Conjugation
| Form | Japanese | Reading |
|---|---|---|
| masu-form (polite) | 持ちます | もちます |
| te-form | 持って | もって |
| ta-form (past) | 持った | もった |
| nai-form (negative) | 持たない | もたない |
| potential form | 持てる | もてる |
See the full conjugation table for "持つ" →
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?
Idioms & proverbs containing “持つ”
- 持つべきものは友 (もつべきものはとも) — a friend is a good thing to have; a good friend is a great blessing
- 持つべきものは友人 (もつべきものはゆうじん) — a friend is a good thing to have; a good friend is a great blessing
- 尻を持つ (けつをもつ) — to take responsibility for; to take the blame for
- 提灯を持つ (ちょうちんをもつ) — to sing someone's praises; to give someone a boost; to carry a lantern
Related words
See it used in real works
- Example sentences from Japanese novels & web fiction (Massif)
- Hear “持つ” pronounced in real videos (YouGlish)