Translation guide
To have something with you as you move from place to place, or to transport something by holding it while moving. Japanese uses different verbs depending on how you carry it, whether it's on your person, and the formality of the situation.
To routinely have an item with you, such as in a bag or pocket, as you go about your day.
The most direct and common way to say 'carry around' for portable items you keep with you. Literally 'hold and walk'.
いつも財布を持ち歩いています。
I always carry my wallet around.
この傘は軽いので持ち歩きやすい。
This umbrella is light, so it's easy to carry around.
A more formal term, often used for devices or items you carry for convenience. Common in written or technical contexts.
スマートフォンを常に携帯している。
I always carry a smartphone with me.
Literally 'attach to one's body'. Used for items you wear or keep on your person, like accessories or small tools.
お守りをいつも身につけています。
I always carry a lucky charm on me.
To pick up and move an object from one place to another, often with some effort or for a short distance.
General verb for transporting something by carrying it. Can be used for moving objects around.
重い箱を部屋まで運んだ。
I carried the heavy box to the room.
彼は荷物を車まで運んでくれた。
He carried my luggage to the car.
Emphasizes picking up and moving something, often implying portability. Similar to 持ち歩く but focuses on the act of moving rather than keeping on your person.
To carry something in your arms, often large or bulky items. Implies holding against your body.
To carry something using a particular body part or method.
To carry on your back, like a backpack.
リュックを背負って学校に行く。
I carry a backpack on my back to school.
To carry on your shoulder, often something long like a pole or a bag.
To carry something by hand, letting it hang down, like a bag or a lantern.
手提げかばんを提げて出かけた。
I went out carrying a handbag.
持ち歩く is the everyday word for having something with you as you move. 携帯する is more formal and often used for electronic devices or in written instructions. In casual speech, 持ち歩く is preferred.
持つ (もつ) means 'to hold' or 'to have', but it doesn't convey the sense of moving with the item. Use 持ち歩く or 運ぶ instead when you mean 'carry around'.
この机は簡単に持ち運べます。
This desk can be easily carried around.
彼女は大きなぬいぐるみを抱えていた。
She was carrying around a big stuffed animal.
He was walking around carrying a bat on his shoulder.