ichidan verb, intransitive verb
be able to have; can hold; can possess
Potential form of 持つ, used for being able to hold, carry, or possess something. Often implies capacity or opportunity.
See also: 持つ
この箱は重くて一人では持てない。
This box is so heavy I can't carry it alone.
彼はたくさんの本
He bought a bookshelf that can hold as many books as he has.
ichidan verb, intransitive verb
be popular; be well-liked; be a hit with
Most often used for romantic popularity, but can apply to being generally liked or welcomed. The katakana spelling モテる is very common for this sense.
See also: モテる
彼は女子にモテる。
He's popular with girls.
あのレストランは若者に持てている。
That restaurant is popular with young people.
ichidan verb, intransitive verb
last; endure; stand the test of
Used for things that withstand time, weather, or harsh conditions. Often appears in set phrases like 長く持てる or 持てる限り.
この靴は丈夫で長く持てる。
These shoes are sturdy and last a long time.
この花は水がなくても一日は持てる。
These flowers can last a day even without water.
noun-modifying (irregular)
possessed; held; wealthy; affluent
Prenominal form used in fixed expressions like 持てる者 (the haves) or 持てる限りの (all one's). Sense 5 (rich/wealthy) is an extension of 'possessing much'.
持てる者と持たざる者の格差が広がっている。
The gap between the haves and the have-nots is widening.
彼は持てる限りの力を振り絞った。
He exerted all the strength he had.