所持 — meaning in English: Possession

shoji · Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.

Guess the translation for possession

土壌

dojō

不況

fukyō

旅行

ryokō

所持

shoji

導入

dounyuu

Skip this question

🎓

Learn Japanese for free

Quizzes, examples, audio & daily challenges. No password needed — just your email.

Start learning →

Already have an account? Log in

formal common

Usage

Native speakers use 所持 (shoji) in formal contexts, such as legal discussions or financial conversations, to refer to the act of possessing assets or items. For instance, one might say, '私の所持品はどこですか？' which translates to 'Where are my possessions?' during a conversation about lost items.

Synonyms & nuances

A close synonym of 所持 is 所有 (shoyu), which also means 'ownership.' However, 所持 emphasizes the act of possessing something at a given time, while 所有 refers more to the state of being an owner. Therefore, you would use 所持 when discussing current physical possession and 所有 when discussing legal ownership.

Culture

The word 所持 (shoji) comes from the combination of '所' (sho), meaning 'place,' and '持' (ji), meaning 'to hold.' This combination reflects the idea of holding something in a designated space, highlighting the value placed on ownership in Japanese culture. Interestingly, in legal texts, 所持 often carries a weighty implication, denoting rights and responsibilities tied to ownership.

FAQ

Q.What does 所持 mean in English?

所持 (shoji) translates to 'possession' in English. It refers specifically to the act of holding or owning something, often in a formal context.

Q.How do I use 所持 in a sentence?

You can use 所持 in sentences like '私は多くの本を所持しています,' meaning 'I possess many books.' It's often used in contexts involving personal belongings or legal matters.

Q.Is 所持 used in everyday conversation?

While 所持 is common, it is primarily used in formal or legal discussions rather than casual conversations. In everyday speech, you might encounter more informal expressions for possession.

Learn japanese with Maspeak →

Japanese 2000