手持ち

• Reading: てもち
• Romaji: temochi
• Kanji breakdown: 手 (te) — hand; 持 (mo) — to hold, carry
• Pronunciation: /te.mo.tɕi/

Meaning

Holdings; on hand; in stock; in one's possession. What one currently has available, whether cash, inventory, or securities.

A noun covering several related meanings. In finance, 手持ち資金 means available cash; 手持ち株 refers to shares currently held in one's portfolio. In inventory management, 手持ち在庫 means stock on hand. The unrelated idiom 手持ち無沙汰 (temochi busata) means 'having nothing to do; at a loose end,' showing the word's versatility.

Examples

1. 手持ちの資金が底をつきそうで、融資を申し込むことにした。 With available cash running low, we decided to apply for a loan.
2. 手持ち株を売却して、新規事業の資本に充てた。 We sold our current shareholdings and allocated the capital to a new business venture.
3. 受注が急増し、手持ち在庫では対応できなくなった。 Orders surged suddenly, and our stock on hand was no longer sufficient to cope.

Usage Guide

Context: finance, inventory, investment

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

From 手 (te) meaning 'hand' and 持ち (mochi) meaning 'holding, carrying.' Literally what one holds in one's hands — extended to encompass any asset currently under one's control.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: Adults

Social background: Universal