hold, have
持 centers on keeping something in hand or in one's possession: physically holding an object, or having and maintaining something over time.
持 combines 扌 (hand) with 寺, which likely contributes the sound and originally depicted a place where things are kept or maintained, together giving the idea of holding or having in hand.
The hand radical 扌 beside 寺 suggests a hand holding onto something at a temple: imagine a monk carefully holding a sacred object.
For ジ, picture a genie holding a lamp: genie -> ジ, and the hand is holding the lamp tightly.
to hold (in one's hand); to take; to carry
feeling; sensation; mood; state of mind
maintenance; preservation; improvement
support; backing; endorsement; approval
having; holding; possessing; owning; using; holder; owner; user
rich person; wealthy person
possession; having (on one's person); carrying (with one)
retention; maintenance; preservation
owner; proprietor; possessor (e.g. of talent, beauty, etc.)
to be able to possess (hold, get, etc.)
continuation; persisting; lasting; sustaining; enduring
in hand; on hand; on one; in stock; in store
takeout (food); take-out; takeaway; carry-out; to-go
taking something out; carrying out
bringing; taking; carrying
bring-your-own (e.g. food and drink); carry-on (e.g. luggage)
to bring in; to take in; to carry in
things one is carrying; things one has on one's person
to take out; to carry out; to bring out from where it belongs
long-lasting; long-wearing; wears well
to elevate; to raise; to lift up
chronic disease; chronic illness; old complaint
one's cherished opinion; pet theory
to take home; to carry home; to bring back home; to take out (e.g. food)
inherent flavor; inherent flavour; natural taste
endurance; persistence
natural; inborn; innate; inherent; characteristic
muscleman; strong man
adhering to (a view, policy, etc.); sticking to; holding fast to; steadfastly maintaining
stock holdings; one's shares
one's (own) house
to take (be in) charge of
charge (of something); matter in one's charge; (one's) assignment; (one's) job
rotation (of a post, role, etc.); taking turns
expression; look; countenance; face
to recover; to rally; to improve; to pick up
to hold out (e.g. against an attack); to hang on; to withstand; to endure; to last
unity; even matching; interdependence
to carry over (an issue, decision, work, etc.); to carry forward; to put off; to postpone; to defer
rich person; wealthy person
to take (something) along; to bring with one; to carry (something) away; to bear
to bring (something); to take along; to fetch; to get
continuous; sustained; sustainable; durable; persistent
unpleasant; revolting; repulsive; gross; disgusting; disturbing; creepy
to be responsible for; to bear the responsibility of