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

Katjov

後輩
15 Apr 2017
16
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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?
 
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。
 
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.
 
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.
I had a feeling this would be your response.
But how about 質問s?
 
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.
 
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