Translation guide
The English verb "retain" covers keeping possession, maintaining a state, holding in memory, and securing services. Japanese uses different verbs and patterns depending on the nuance.
To continue to have or hold something, not lose or give it away.
Formal and common for retaining objects, rights, or status. Often used in official contexts.
彼は依然としてその地位を保持している。
He still retains his position.
The everyday verb for "have" or "hold." Use when the sense of retaining is simply continuing to have.
彼はまだその本を持っている。
He still retains the book.
Used for retaining assets, property, or stocks. Business/legal term.
その会社は多くの土地を保有している。
The company retains a lot of land.
To keep something in a particular state, such as heat, moisture, or shape.
General verb for maintaining a state. Works for temperature, balance, quality, etc.
この素材は熱をよく保つ。
This material retains heat well.
Formal, often for systems, standards, or conditions over time.
現状を維持するのは難しい。
It's difficult to retain the current situation.
To keep something from leaving or escaping; often used for moisture, attention, etc.
To hold information in memory.
The standard way to say "remember" or "retain in memory."
彼はまだその言葉を覚えている。
He still retains those words in his memory.
More formal; to commit to memory. Often used in studying contexts.
学生は多くの情報を記憶しなければならない。
Students must retain a lot of information.
Literary; to hold in one's heart or mind. Often used with 心に.
To hire or keep a professional like a lawyer or consultant.
General verb for hiring or employing someone.
彼は弁護士を雇った。
He retained a lawyer.
To request services, often used for lawyers, detectives, etc. Implies a formal engagement.
調査を探偵に依頼した。
We retained a detective for the investigation.
保持する is for retaining objects, rights, or data. 保つ is for maintaining a state or condition. Use 保持する for a passport, 保つ for temperature.
パスポートを保持する
retain a passport
温度を保つ
retain temperature
保持する can be used for memory in technical contexts (e.g., data retention), but for personal memory, use 覚えている or 記憶する.
このクリームは肌に潤いを留める。
This cream retains moisture in the skin.
その光景を心に留めた。
I retained the scene in my heart.