抱える
かかえる·kakaeru
Meaning
to hold; to carry (in one's arms); to have (problems/employees)
Nuance & Usage
抱える has both physical and abstract meanings. Physically, it means to hold something in one's arms (荷物を抱える — to carry luggage in one's arms). Abstractly, it means to have or be burdened with problems, debts, or people. 問題を抱える (mondai wo kakaeru) means 'to have problems.' 社員を100人抱える means 'to have 100 employees.' The abstract use often implies a burden or challenge that one must manage.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse 抱える with 持つ (motsu — to hold/have). While both can mean 'to have,' 抱える implies carrying a burden or managing something significant. 借金を抱える (to be saddled with debt) is much stronger than 借金を持つ. Also, don't confuse with 抱く (idaku/daku — to embrace/hold close), which is more emotional or romantic. 抱える is an ichidan verb: 抱えない, 抱えて, 抱えた.
Example Sentences (3)
彼は多くの悩みを抱えている。
かれはおおくのなやみをかかえている。
He has many worries.
この会社は500人以上の従業員を抱えている。
このかいしゃはごひゃくにんいじょうのじゅうぎょういんをかかえている。
This company has more than 500 employees.
大きな箱を抱えて階段を上った。
おおきなはこをかかえてかいだんをのぼった。
I carried a large box in my arms up the stairs.
Quick Quiz
Quick Quiz
N24 questionsTest your knowledge of 抱える with 4 different question types.
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