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道Nihongo Path
持

持·hold, have

On-yomi
ジ
Kun-yomi
も(つ)

By Nihongo PathUpdated

Stroke order

Write it in this order; the numbers mark where each stroke starts.

9 strokes, numbered in writing order. Data: KanjiVG (CC BY-SA 3.0).

Common words

WordReadingMeaning
持つもつto hold, to carry
気持ちきもちfeeling
金持ちかねもちrich person
持ち物もちものbelongings

Example sentences

  1. 荷物を持ちましょうか。

    にもつをもちましょうか。

    Shall I carry your bag?

  2. 今日はとてもいい気持ちです。

    きょうはとてもいいきもちです。

    I feel really good today.

  3. 持ち物に全部名前を書いてください。

    もちものにぜんぶなまえをかいてください。

    Please write your name on all of your belongings.

Similar-looking kanji

Do not confuse these on the exam.

Common mistakes

  • Confusing 持つ(もつ, to hold) with 待つ(まつ, to wait).
  • Saying 車を持つ for owning a car in the present — 車を持っています is the natural form.

Memory aid

Picture it

A hand (扌) beside 寺 (temple) — your hand takes hold and keeps it.

Vocabulary using this kanji

Quick check

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What does the kanji 持 mean?