Meaning

Primary

To Keep

Alternatives

To Hold, To Maintain, To Retain

Word Type

する verb, transitive verb

Explanation

This is the verb version of 保持 (keep), so this means to keep, to hold, or to maintain.

Note that this is a formal word that's commonly used in professional or official contexts.

Reading

ほじする
  • Kyoko
    (Tokyo accent, female)
  • Kenichi
    (Tokyo accent, male)

Explanation

The reading is the same as 保持, so if you know that word's reading, you know this one too.

Context

Pattern of Use

Common Word Combinations

  • データを保持する

    to retain data

    安全を保持する

    to maintain safety

    力を保持する

    to maintain power

Context Sentences

コウイチは、ブロッコリー早食い王者の世界チャンピオンの座を保持している。

Koichi retains the world record for being the fastest broccoli eater.

この辺りの治安を保持するには、ビエトの組の力が必要だ。

In order to preserve the peace around here, we need the help of Viet's yakuza group.

自国の地位を保持することをまず優先した方がいい。

You should prioritize maintaining your own country’s status first.

Kanji Composition