Japanese symbol for “possessed”
持てる
もてる
Romaji: moteru
to be able to possess (hold, get, etc.)
In Japanese, possessed is 持てる, read もてる (moteru).
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
- v1, vi to be able to possess (hold, get, etc.)
- v1, vi to be well liked; to be popular; to be pampered (spoiled, doted upon, etc.); to be welcomed
- v1, vi to endure (the tests of time, the elements, etc.); to last
- adj-f possessed; held
- adj-f rich; wealthy; affluent
Kanji and stroke order
Related words
Words that share a kanji.
| Word | Reading | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 気持ち | きもち kimochi | feeling; sensation; mood |
| 持つ | もつ motsu | to hold (in one's hand); to take; to carry |
| 維持 | いじ iji | maintenance; preservation; improvement |
| 支持 | しじ shiji | support; backing; endorsement |
| 持ち | もち mochi | having; holding; possessing |
| 金持ち | かねもち kanemochi | rich person; wealthy person |
See also: Chinese symbol for “possessed”.
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.