Translation guide
The English phrase "hold on to" has several distinct meanings, from physically grasping something to keeping something safe or maintaining a belief. This guide breaks down the most common uses and provides natural Japanese equivalents for each.
To keep holding something tightly, often to avoid falling or losing it.
Used when holding onto something for support, like a handrail or a person.
バスの中で吊り革に掴まってください。
Please hold on to the strap on the bus.
Literally 'hold firmly', used when you want to emphasize a tight grip on an object.
そのカバンをしっかり持って。
Hold on to that bag tightly.
To grip or grasp something in one's hand. Often used for holding onto small objects.
To continue to have something, especially when it might be taken away or lost.
Literally 'not let go from one's hands', used for both physical objects and abstract things like memories.
彼はその古い手紙を決して手放さなかった。
He never let go of that old letter.
To continue to have a particular attitude or emotion, especially in difficult circumstances.
To safeguard or not lose something valuable.
To hold something carefully, implying it is precious.
この写真を大事に持っていてね。
Hold on to this photo carefully.
Used in imperative form to ask someone to wait for a short time.
The most common casual way to say 'hold on' or 'wait a moment'.
ちょっと待って、今行くから。
Hold on, I'm coming now.
When 'hold on to' means to maintain a belief or feeling, do not use physical holding verbs like 掴む (つかむ). Instead, use 持ち続ける or 抱き続ける.
掴まる (つかまる) is intransitive and means to hold onto something for support (e.g., a strap). 握る (にぎる) is transitive and means to grip something actively in your hand.
風が強いから帽子をしっかり持って。
Hold on to your hat, it's windy.
この思い出をずっと大切に持つよ。
I'll hold on to this memory forever.
She held on to my hand.
Formal term for 'retain' or 'keep', often used in legal or business contexts.
会社は重要なデータを保持する必要がある。
The company needs to hold on to important data.
To keep something for future use, often with the nuance of setting it aside.
このレシートは取っておいてください。
Please hold on to this receipt.
Literally 'continue to hold', used for abstract things like hope, dreams, or feelings.
彼女は希望を持ち続けた。
She held on to hope.
Similar to 持ち続ける but often used for emotions or dreams that one embraces.
彼は夢を抱き続けた。
He held on to his dream.
To store or keep in a safe place, often used for documents or valuables.
パスポートは安全な場所に保管してください。
Please hold on to your passport in a safe place.
Polite form used in customer service or formal situations.
少々お待ちください。担当者におつなぎします。
Please hold on. I'll connect you to the person in charge.