Does （を）持っている apply to abstract concepts or just physical objects

K

Katjov

後輩

15 Apr 2017

16

0

• 17 Apr 2017

• #1

Hi there
I've been wondering whether the phrase （を）持っている (to have/possess) can be used with abstract, non-physical ideas. For example, can you say "質問を持っている", meaning (I) have a question, or is it gramatically incorrect?

 

mdchachi

Moderator

Moderator

Twenty-year veteran

6 Mar 2003

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• 17 Apr 2017

• #2

There may be exceptions but this verb is used for physical things afaik.
The typical way to say "I have a question is" 質問があります。

 

Toritoribe

松葉解禁

Moderator

Fifteen-year veteran

22 Feb 2008

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• 17 Apr 2017

• #3

examples of abstract ideas that can be associated with を持つ I can think of now
野心, 希望, 責任, 素質, 役割, 性質, 性能, 品質, 勇気, 資格, 計画, 悩み, 不安,,,

Hmm, seems like not a few.

 

mdchachi

Moderator

Moderator

Twenty-year veteran

6 Mar 2003

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9,449

• 17 Apr 2017

• #4

Toritoribe said:

examples of abstract ideas that can be associated with を持つ I can think of now
野心, 希望, 責任, 素質, 役割, 性質, 性能, 品質, 勇気, 資格, 計画, 悩み, 不安,,,
Hmm, seems like not a few.

Click to expand...

I had a feeling this would be your response.
But how about 質問s?

 

Toritoribe

松葉解禁

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Fifteen-year veteran

22 Feb 2008

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• 17 Apr 2017

• #5

Yes, 質問があります would be the best for "I have a question/questions" in general, but 持つ also can work in a context, for instance, 相手に対する質問をいつも持っておくと、会話に困らない. This 持つ emphasizes that the subject "has" it in their mind, not just the nuance of existence ある has.