持ち上げる

• Reading: もちあげる
• Romaji: mochiageru
• Kanji breakdown: 持 (ji/mo) — hold, have; 上 (jō/a) — up, above, raise
• Pronunciation: /mo.tɕi.a.ɡe.ɾɯ/

Meaning

To raise; to lift up; to flatter. Used for physically lifting and figuratively praising excessively.

A Group 2 (ichidan) verb. A compound verb from 持つ (to hold) and 上げる (to raise). Physical sense: lifting heavy objects (荷物を持ち上げる). Figurative sense: flattering someone excessively (おだてて持ち上げる). The figurative usage carries a slightly negative nuance, implying insincere praise to gain favour.

Examples

1. この箱は重くて一人では持ち上げられない。 This box is too heavy for me to lift by myself.
2. 部下が上司を持ち上げてばかりいる。 The subordinate is always flattering the boss.
3. 赤ちゃんを高く持ち上げたら笑ってくれた。 When I lifted the baby up high, they laughed.

Usage Guide

Context: daily life, workplace, physical tasks

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Compound verb from 持ち (mochi, holding) and 上げる (ageru, to raise). The literal image of holding something and raising it upward, extended to elevating someone's status through praise.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal