持もてる

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

• この箱はこは重おもくて一人ひとりでは持もてない。

  This box is so heavy I can't carry it alone.

• 彼かれはたくさんの本ほんを持もてるだけの本ほん棚だなを買かった。

  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

• 彼かれは女じょ子しにモテる。

  He's popular with girls.

• あのレストランは若わか者ものに持もてている。

  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.

• この靴くつは丈じょう夫ぶで長ながく持もてる。

  These shoes are sturdy and last a long time.

• この花はなは水みずがなくても一いち日にちは持もてる。

  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'.

• 持もてる者ものと持もたざる者ものの格かく差さが広ひろがっている。

  The gap between the haves and the have-nots is widening.

• 彼かれは持もてる限かぎりの力ちからを振ふり絞しぼった。

  He exerted all the strength he had.