Translation guide
The English verb 'carry' covers many physical and abstract meanings. In Japanese, there is no single equivalent; the best word depends on what is being carried, how, and why. This guide organizes the most useful Japanese expressions by the intended English meaning.
To hold and move something from one place to another, without specifying the method.
The most general verb for transporting objects. It focuses on moving something to a destination.
この箱をあそこに運んでください。
Please carry this box over there.
彼は荷物を車まで運んだ。
He carried the luggage to the car.
Literally 'take and go', used when you carry something to another place. Emphasizes the action of taking it along.
傘を持っていきます。
I'll carry an umbrella (with me).
Combines 'hold' and 'transport', often used for portable items or the act of carrying around.
このパソコンは軽くて持ち運びやすい。
This laptop is light and easy to carry around.
To support something with your hands or arms while moving.
To hold or carry in the hand. Very common.
このカバンを持ってくれませんか。
Could you carry this bag for me?
To carry something bulky or heavy in one's arms, often against the chest.
To carry in one's arms, especially a child or something cherished. Can also mean 'hug'.
母親は赤ちゃんを抱いていた。
The mother was carrying her baby in her arms.
To transport something by supporting it on your back or shoulder.
To carry on one's back, like a backpack or a burden.
彼はリュックを背負っている。
He is carrying a backpack on his back.
To carry on one's shoulder, often something long like a pole or a bag.
To transport a person by supporting their weight.
To carry someone on your back, typically a child.
疲れた子供をおんぶした。
I carried the tired child on my back.
To carry someone in your arms, usually a child. Casual.
赤ちゃんを抱っこしてあげて。
Carry the baby in your arms.
Can be used for transporting an injured person, often with assistance.
To be a carrier of a disease or genetic trait without necessarily showing symptoms.
To carry bacteria or a virus. Medical term.
彼はサルモネラ菌を保菌している。
He carries salmonella bacteria.
To possess or carry (a gene, virus). More general than 保菌.
その遺伝子を保有している人は少ない。
Few people carry that gene.
To convey or have a particular meaning, nuance, or consequence.
To contain or include a meaning. Often used as 意味を含む.
その言葉は深い意味を含んでいる。
That word carries a deep meaning.
To be accompanied by; to entail. Used for consequences or implications.
To perform or complete an action, duty, or instruction.
To execute or carry out a plan, order, or task.
計画を実行に移した。
They carried out the plan.
To accomplish or carry out a duty or mission. Formal.
任務を遂行した。
He carried out his mission.
To continue doing something, often despite difficulties.
To continue; the most direct equivalent for 'carry on'.
彼は話を続けた。
He carried on talking.
To carry on as before; keep going.
そのまま続けてください。
Please carry on.
運ぶ (hakobu) focuses on the transportation itself, often to a specific destination. 持っていく (motte iku) emphasizes taking something along with you. Use 運ぶ for moving furniture, boxes, etc. Use 持っていく for personal items you bring with you.
机を隣の部屋に運んだ。
I carried the desk to the next room.
パスポートを持っていきます。
I'll carry my passport (with me).
The loanword キャリー (kyarii) is not commonly used for physical carrying. It appears in golf (carry distance) or computing (carry flag), but for everyday 'carry', use the Japanese verbs above.
私のカバンを持ってくれませんか。
Could you carry my bag?
彼女は子供をおんぶした。
She carried the child on her back.
この言葉は否定的なニュアンスを含んでいる。
This word carries a negative nuance.
彼女は大きな箱を抱えていた。
She was carrying a big box in her arms.
He was carrying a big bag on his shoulder.
They carried the injured person to the hospital.
この決定にはリスクが伴う。
This decision carries risks.