JLPT N2 Upper Intermediate
抱える
To hold in the arms; to bear a burden, debt, or problem; to employ or have (staff/dependents).
Readings
Other forms
抱えます polite form
抱えて te-form
抱えた plain past
1 Verb (Ichidan, Transitive)
To hold or carry (physically)
Describes the act of holding or carrying an object within one’s arms, typically against the chest.
Example
彼女 は 眠って いる 赤ちゃん を 腕 に 抱えて いた 。
She was holding the sleeping baby in her arms.
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2 Verb (Ichidan, Transitive)
To be burdened with (a problem, debt, etc.)
Refers to bearing abstract burdens, liabilities, or troubling situations that one must manage.
Usage notes & examples
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3 Verb (Ichidan, Transitive)
To employ or have on staff
Indicates having people under one’s financial care, such as family dependents or employees.
Usage notes & examples
available in the
mobile app