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'.
I always carry my wallet around.
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.
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.
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.
I carried the heavy box to the room.
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.
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.
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'.
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.
彼はバットを担いで歩いていた。
He was walking around carrying a bat on his shoulder.
I went out carrying a handbag.