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持
On'yomi
ジ
JI
Kun'yomi
も.つ・-も.ち・も.てる
motsu / mochi / moteru
hold · have
Details
Stroke Order
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Strokes9
Component Breakdown
持=
扌寺
hand + 寺
Cultural Context
Etymology
Composed of hand and temple. Holding with hand.
Symbolism
Hold, possess, maintain. Represents ownership and continuation.
Related Culture & Scenes
- — Good old days
Words & Expressions
Four-Character Compounds
加持祈祷
かじきとう
incantation and prayer; incantation and prayer
現状維持
げんじょういじ
maintaining the status quo; maintaining the status quo
Proverbs & Idioms
持つべきものは友
もつべきものはとも
What one should have is friends
True friends are invaluable
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 持 mean in Japanese?
持 means hold, have.
How do you read 持?
On'yomi: ジ (JI). Kun'yomi: も.つ、-も.ち、も.てる (motsu, mochi, moteru).
How many strokes does 持 have?
持 has 9 strokes. Its radical is 手 (hand).
Is 持 a good kanji for a tattoo?
Yes. 持 (hold, have) has a clear positive meaning and no embarrassing alternate readings, making it a solid tattoo choice.
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