How to say "possess" in Japanese
Choosing the right word
- 有するゆうするsuru verb (irregular), transitive verbCovers 'possess' for qualities and attributes rather than physical objects: to have or be endowed with an ability, feature, or characteristic. Typical in descriptions of what a person or thing has, such as talent.
- 魅入るみいるgodan verb, intransitive verbCovers 'possess' in the bewitching sense: a spirit or supernatural charm seizing a person's heart. It also means to fascinate or entrance, fitting tales where someone is captivated or possessed.
- 持つもつgodan verb, transitive verbThe broad, general verb for 'possess': having or owning things such as money, property, or tools, and also having an ability or characteristic. For ordinary ownership, this is usually the word you want.
- 乗り移るのりうつるgodan verb, intransitive verbStrictly the supernatural sense: a god, spirit, or ghost entering and taking over a person's body. The natural choice when 'possess' means spirit possession, as in folklore and ghost stories.
- 見入るみいるgodan verb, intransitive verbThis is really the verb for gazing: staring fixedly at something that holds your attention. Despite its bewitching senses, it is seldom the word you want for 'possess'.
Use 「持つ」 for ordinary having or owning, 「有する」 for possessing qualities or attributes, 「乗り移る」 for a spirit taking over a body, and 「魅入る」 for bewitching possession; 「見入る」 is really about gazing.
Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only
Japanese equivalents
- 有するゆうするto have
- 魅入るみいるto fascinate
- 取り憑くとりつくto possess (someone; of an evil spirit, idea, etc.)
- 憑くつくto possess
- 持つもつto possess
- 備えるそなえるto possess (all that is needed)
- 乗り移るのりうつるto possess (of a god, spirit, etc.)
- 見入るみいるto fascinate
- 擁するようするto have
- 取っ付くとっつくto take hold of
- 付くつくto possess
- つまむto bewitch
- 取り付くとりつくto possess (someone; of an evil spirit, idea, etc.)
See also
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