How to say "withstand" in Japanese

• 持ちこたえるもちこたえるCommon
  ichidan verb, transitive verbCovers withstanding as holding out against an attack or sustained pressure, hanging on without giving way. Typical when a defense or position must keep resisting something that threatens to break through.
  その病人びょうにんがどれだけ持もちこたえるかは、誰だれにもわからない。↗

  Nobody knows how long the sick man can hold on.
• 耐えるたえるJLPT N1approx.Common
  ichidan verb, intransitive verbThe general verb for withstanding: to bear up under a force, strain, or hardship without breaking, and to brave what is daunting. Fits anything that must take a load, a blow, or harsh conditions.
  この家いえは地震じしんに耐たえますか。↗

  Does this house withstand earthquakes?

Choose 「耐える」 for withstanding a force, strain, or hardship in general, and 「持ちこたえる」 when you picture holding out against an ongoing attack or pressure without giving way.

Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only

• 持ちこたえるもちこたえるto hold out (e.g. against an attack)
• 耐え得るたえうるto withstand
• 耐えるたえるto support