armful; something carried in one's arms
Refers to the amount or bundle that can be held in one's arms, or the act of carrying something in one's arms. Often used in phrases like 抱えきれない (too much to hold).
I carried three armfuls of firewood.
He brought an armful of firewood.
employee; person under one's care
Used for someone who is employed or supported by a person or organization, often in a dependent or subordinate role. Common in compounds like 抱え主 (employer) or 抱えの運転手 (private chauffeur).
He is the company president's private chauffeur.
He is the company's private chauffeur.
When 抱え refers to a personally employed servant or staff member, it is counted with 人, the ordinary counter for people.
hold in one's arms; carry in one's arms · have (problems, debts, etc.); be burdened with; have (dependents) to provide for · employ; have on staff
personal; private; retained
hold in one's arms; carry in one's arms; embrace · take upon oneself; be saddled with; shoulder
armful; bundle
fully financed; under full patronage; sponsored entirely
Standard kanji spelling for both senses.
Noun form of the verb 抱える (かかえる, 'to hold in one's arms; to employ'). The kanji 抱 means 'embrace' or 'hold'.