hold
N4- Onyomi
- ジ
- Kunyomi
- も(つ)
- Stroke count
- 9
- JLPT
- N4
Onyomi are readings often used in compound words. Kunyomi are native Japanese readings. Learn each reading with an example word.
Memory tip
Break 持 down and you get 扌 (hand) — a hand reaching in from the left, and beside it 寺 (temple / hold) — a hall standing on measured ground. Picture a hand closing firmly around what it grips, put 持 inside it, and let that scene stand for "hold" — hold. The odder the picture, the better it sticks.
Stroke Order
Stroke count: 9
General writing tips
These general rules have exceptions. Follow the animation and numbered frames for this character.
- •上から下へ書きます。Write from top to bottom.
- •左から右へ書きます。Write from left to right.
- •横の画を先に、縦の画を後に書きます。Write horizontal strokes before the vertical strokes that cross them.
- •外側の囲みを先に書き、中を後で書きます。Draw an outer enclosure first, then fill in what is inside.
- •中央を先に、左右を後に書きます。In symmetric shapes, write the centre before the left and right sides.
- •この漢字は9画です。下の練習エリアで順番に書いてみましょう。This kanji has 9 strokes — trace them in order in the practice area below.
Step by step
Practice Writing
Free writing practice — compare your writing with the example. This canvas does not check your shape or stroke order. Draw with a mouse, finger, or pen; scroll outside the square to move down the page.
Trace the faded character, or hide the outline to practise from memory.
Writing Tips
- Follow the order strictly: top-to-bottom and left-to-right. Correct order makes the shape balanced and natural.
- Keep each stroke in one smooth motion — don't lift the pen in the middle of a stroke.
- Close enclosing strokes cleanly so the character does not look open or broken.
- Common mistake: drawing strokes bottom-to-top or right-to-left. Even if the result looks similar, the wrong order shows in handwriting and makes it harder to read.
Example words
気持ち
kimochi
feeling
維持
iji
maintenance
把持
haji
grip
所持
shoji
possession (carrying)
維持した
ijishita
plain past: did maintenance
所持する
shojisuru
to do possession (carrying)
Example sentences (3)
感謝の気持ちを伝えました。
かんしゃ の きもち を つたえました。
kansha no kimochi o tsutaemashita.
I expressed my feelings of gratitude.
相手の気持ちを考えて話したほうがいいです。
あいて の きもち を かんがえて はなした ほう が いい です。
aite no kimochi o kangaete hanashita hou ga ii desu.
It is better to speak with the other person's feelings in mind.
感謝の気持ちは、言葉で伝えたほうがいいと思います。
かんしゃ の きもち は、ことば で つたえた ほう が いい と おもいます。
kansha no kimochi wa, kotoba de tsutaeta hou ga ii to omoimasu.
I think it is better to put your gratitude into words.