肩を持つ

• Reading: かたをもつ
• Romaji: kata wo motsu
• Kanji breakdown: 肩 (ken/kata) — shoulder; 持 (ji/mo) — hold, have, carry
• Pronunciation: /ka.ta.o.mo.tsɯ/

Meaning

To side with someone; to support someone; to take someone's side in a dispute.

An expression using Group 1 (godan) verb 持つ. Literally 'to hold someone's shoulder,' meaning to support or back someone in a disagreement. Implies partiality — choosing one side over another. Often used when criticising someone for being biased, as in いつも彼の肩を持つ (you always take his side).

Examples

1. お母さんはいつも弟の肩を持つから不公平だ。 It's unfair that Mom always takes my little brother's side.
2. 上司が特定の社員の肩を持つのは問題がある。 It's problematic when a boss takes the side of a particular employee.
3. どちらの肩も持たずに中立でいたい。 I want to stay neutral without taking either side.

Usage Guide

Context: family, workplace, arguments

Tone: critical

Origin & History

The image of physically supporting someone by holding their shoulder, standing beside them as an ally. This bodily metaphor became an idiom for showing allegiance or partiality in disputes.

Cultural Context

Era: Edo period

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal