持つ often focuses on holding, carrying or having; 取る often focuses on taking or obtaining.

The idea

本を持っています can describe holding or having a book. 棚から皿を取ります describes taking a plate from a shelf; から marks its source. Both normally take を for the object. 休みを取ります is the set expression for taking time off.

Patterns to compare
FormExample
持もっています本ほんを持もっています
取とります棚たなから皿さらを取とります
取とります休やすみを取とります

Examples

  • 手てに本ほんを持もっています。I am holding a book in my hand.
  • 机つくえの上うえからペンを取とります。I take a pen from the table.
  • 妹いもうとは傘かさを持もっています。My younger sister has an umbrella.
  • 棚たなから皿さらを取とってください。Please take a plate from the shelf.
  • 荷物にもつを持もって行いきます。I will take my luggage with me.
  • 休やすみを取とりますね。I take time off.

Read-aloud uses a synthetic Japanese voice available on your device. Voice quality and availability vary; it does not assess your pronunciation.

Watch out

The meanings overlap: 持つ can also mean taking something in one’s hand, and 取る has many senses. “Take a photo” is usually 写真を撮る, with a different kanji.

Try it yourself

  1. Choose the form for holding a book in your hand. 手てに本ほんを＿＿。（持もっています／取とっています）

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    持っています

    持っています describes the continuing state of holding a book in the hand.

  2. Choose the form for taking a plate from the shelf. 棚たなから皿さらを＿＿ください。（取とって／持もって）

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    取って

    取って describes taking the plate from the shelf before ください.

  3. Complete the usual expression for taking time off. 休やすみを＿＿。（取とります／持もちます）

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    取ります

    休みを取ります is the usual expression for taking time off.

Use it today

Describe something you are holding, something you take from a shelf and a day off you plan to take.