抱える
dakueruto hold or carry something in one's arms
重い荷物を抱えて家に帰った
I carried a heavy bag home
Can also imply a sense of responsibility or burden when used metaphorically.
to have or be responsible for something (often a problem or challenge)
大きな借金を抱えている
to be burdened with a large debt
This metaphorical usage is very common in Japanese.
Collocations
Synonyms
Antonyms
Related Phrases
💡Pro Tip
Metaphorical Usage
Remember that 抱える can mean both physical holding and abstract burdens, similar to English 'to carry'.
⚡Gold Rule
Common Collocations
The most common collocations are with problems (問題), debt (借金), and responsibility (責任).
📖Word Origin
Combination of 抱く (daku, to hold) and える (a verb suffix indicating a continuous state)
📝Usage Notes
The verb is often used to describe both physical holding and abstract burdens. The literal meaning is more common in everyday speech, while the metaphorical meaning is more common in formal or written contexts.