King's Kung-Fu& Tai Chi

Japanese symbol for “possess”

Romaji: motsu
to hold (in one's hand); to take; to carry

In Japanese, possess is , read (motsu).

Before using these characters for a tattoo, check them with a native speaker. Dictionary words often have several meanings, and the right choice depends on context.

Meanings

  1. v5t, vt to hold (in one's hand); to take; to carry
  2. v5t, vt to possess; to have; to own
  3. v5t, vt to maintain; to keep
  4. v5t, vt to last; to be durable; to keep; to survive
  5. v5t, vt to take charge of; to be in charge of
  6. v5t, vt to hold (meeting, etc.); to have (opportunity, etc.)

Kanji and stroke order

hold, have
on: ジ
kun: も.つ、-も.ち、も.てる
9 strokes · JLPT 3

Other Japanese words for “possess”

WordReadingMeaning
ゆうする yuusuruto have; to possess; to own
そなえる sonaeruto possess (all that is needed); to be endowed with; to be equipped with
つく tsukuto possess; to haunt
ようする yousuruto have; to possess
つまむ tsumamuto bewitch; to possess; to fascinate

Related words

Words that share a kanji.

WordReadingMeaning
きもち kimochifeeling; sensation; mood
いじ ijimaintenance; preservation; improvement
しじ shijisupport; backing; endorsement
もち mochihaving; holding; possessing
かねもち kanemochirich person; wealthy person

See also: Chinese symbol for “possess”.

Data: JMdict (CC BY-SA 4.0); KANJIDIC2 (CC BY-SA 4.0); KanjiVG (CC BY-SA 3.0); wordfreq (CC BY-SA 4.0 (data)). Retrieved 2026-10-22.

Last posts

  1. What Size Hakama Should I Order for Proper Fit
  2. Best Aikido Hakama for Beginners Choosing Your First Pair
  3. Kendo Bogu Costs and Timing Your First Purchase
  4. Best Kendo Starter Sets for Beginners and How to Choose
  5. Best Sword Oil and Cloth Kits for Wooden Training Weapons
  6. Is Hickory a Good Wood for a Practice Sword
  7. Best Bokken for Tall Practitioners Choosing the Right Fit
  8. How Heavy Should a Practice Bokken Be for Training
  9. Choosing a Training Sword for Stage and Historical Combat
  10. Best Wooden Swords for Kids Starting Martial Arts Forms