持ち直す

• Reading: もちなおす
• Romaji: mochinaosu
• Kanji breakdown: 持ち (mochi) — holding, maintaining; 直す (naosu) — to fix, to right
• Pronunciation: /motɕinaosu/

Meaning

To recover; to rally; to pick up; to regain stability after a period of decline.

A Group 1 (godan) verb formed from 持ち (hold, maintain) and 直す (to right, to fix). Describes a gradual return to a stable or positive state after deterioration — commonly used for economic indicators, market prices, health conditions, and weather. It implies a cautious turn for the better rather than a full recovery, carrying a sense of measured optimism.

Examples

1. 先週急落した株価は、今週に入って持ち直しつつある。 Stock prices that fell sharply last week have been recovering as we enter this week.
2. 体調が持ち直したので、明日から出社できそうだ。 My health has improved, so it looks like I'll be able to return to the office from tomorrow.
3. 景気は一時的に後退したが、輸出主導で緩やかに持ち直してきた。 The economy temporarily contracted, but has been gradually recovering, led by exports.

Usage Guide

Context: finance, economics, health, weather

Tone: optimistic

Origin & History

Compound verb of 持つ (to hold, to maintain) and 直す (to correct, to right). Together they convey the idea of righting what one holds — stabilising or recovering something that had begun to fall.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: Adults

Social background: Universal