抱えます（かかえます、kaかemasu）
- to hold

The Japanese verb 抱えます, read as かかえます, has several meanings, all related to holding or bearing something. ⚫︎ It most commonly refers to holding something in one's arms, like 子供を抱える (to hold a child). ⚫︎ It can also mean to shoulder or be burdened with a responsibility, problem, or debt. This usage often implies a sense of difficulty or struggle. ⚫︎ Furthermore, 抱えます can signify employing or having staff. The core concept is about taking something into one's possession, whether literally or figuratively.

⚫︎ 赤ちゃんを抱えます Translation: I hold the baby. ⚫︎ 問題を抱えます Translation: I have problems; I'm burdened with problems. ⚫︎ 会社は多くの従業員を抱えている Translation: The company employs many employees.

⚫︎ Use 抱えます when you are literally holding something or someone. ⚫︎ Use it when you are dealing with a problem, worry, or debt. The implication is often that the situation is challenging or a burden. ⚫︎ Use it to describe a company or organization employing staff. Consider the context to understand which meaning is intended, as the context will usually make it clear.

⚫︎ The base form is 抱える. ⚫︎ It is written with the kanji 抱 combined with the hiragana える. ⚫︎ The okurigana is always える. ⚫︎ Common conjugations include: ⚫︎ Present affirmative: 抱えます かかえます ⚫︎ Present negative: 抱えません かかえません ⚫︎ Past affirmative: 抱えました かかえました ⚫︎ Past negative: 抱えませんでした かかえませんでした ⚫︎ The stem form is 抱え.

⚫︎ For holding: 持つ (to hold, to have), 抱く (to embrace, to hold), 持つ (to have) ⚫︎ For burdens/problems: 背負う (to bear, to shoulder), 負担する (to be burdened with), 悩む (to worry) ⚫︎ For employing: 雇う (to hire, to employ), 採用する (to hire, to employ)

⚫︎ For holding: 離す (to release, to let go), 手放す (to give up, to let go) ⚫︎ For problems/burdens: There isn't a direct antonym. You would use phrases like 解決する (to solve), or 軽減する (to reduce) ⚫︎ For employing: 解雇する (to fire) or 辞めさせる (to make someone quit)

彼は大きな借金を抱えている。 ・Translation: He is burdened with a large debt. ・Explanation: This sentence uses 抱える to convey that the person is facing a difficult financial situation.

その会社は多くの問題を抱えている。 ・Translation: That company is facing many problems. ・Explanation: Here, 抱えて indicates that the company is struggling with various issues.

⚫︎ The kanji 抱 (hō) originally depicted a person embracing something. ⚫︎ The verb 抱える comes from the same root, expressing the idea of physically or metaphorically taking something into one's possession.