Meaning and Usage
The verb 抱える (かかえる) primarily means "to hold or carry something under or in the arms," such as holding a baby or an object. However, it is also frequently used metaphorically to express "carrying" or "bearing" intangible things like debts, problems, or stress.
Common Contexts
- Literal physical holding: carrying children, animals, or objects in one's arms.
- Figurative use: describing someone or an organization burdened with debts, problems, or emotional stress.
Collocations and Patterns
- 借金を抱える (しゃっきんをかかえる): to be in debt
- 問題を抱える (もんだいをかかえる): to have problems
- ストレスを抱える: to carry stress
These collocations are very common in both spoken and written Japanese, especially in news, business, and everyday conversation.
Register and Nuance
抱える is neutral in politeness and can be used in formal and informal contexts. When used figuratively, it often implies a burden or difficulty that someone is dealing with.
Common Learner Mistake
Learners sometimes confuse 抱える with 持つ (もつ), which also means "to hold" or "to have." 抱える specifically implies holding something close or under the arms, or carrying a burden, while 持つ is more general for holding or possessing. Use 抱える when emphasizing the physical closeness or the figurative burden.