持ち
Meanings
having; holding; possessing; owner; user
Used as a suffix to indicate possession, ownership, or use of something. Often appears in compounds like 金持ち (rich person) or 持ち主 (owner).
He is a wealthy person.
Who is the owner of this umbrella?
durability; wear life; lasting quality
Refers to how long something lasts or withstands use. Often used for food, goods, or materials. The spelling 保ち is sometimes used for this sense.
These shoes last a long time.
In summer, food doesn't keep as well.
Indicates that someone bears a cost or expense. Common in phrases like 自腹持ち (paying out of one's own pocket) or 割り勘持ち (splitting the bill).
Today's meal is on me.
The travel expenses are covered by the company.
Formal or literary term for a draw in games like go or in poetry contests. Not used for sports ties in modern casual speech.
The match ended in a draw.
Usage patterns
- 〈人〉持ちpaid for by; at the expense of (someone)
This time the drinks were paid for by the department head.
- 〈事〉が持ちになる(a match or game) ends in a draw
The go match ended in a draw.
- 〈物〉持ちの〈人〉a person who owns or has (something)
He's a student who owns a car.