Meaning

Primary

To Embrace

Alternatives

To Hold, To Hug

Word Type

transitive verb, godan verb

Explanation

Because the hiragana ends with an sound, you know this word is a verb. The kanji itself means hug and the verb vocab version is to embrace or to hold (in one's arms, that is). It can also mean to hug, especially in the form of 抱きしめる.

Keep in mind that depending on the context, 抱く can be a euphemism for something way more sexual than just hugging. Not always, of course, but pretty often, so just be careful how you use it! 抱きしめる is the better option if you're talking about regular old hugs.

Reading

だく
  • Kyoko
    (Tokyo accent, female)
  • Kenichi
    (Tokyo accent, male)
いだく
  • Kyoko
    (Tokyo accent, female)
  • Kenichi
    (Tokyo accent, male)

Explanation

What are you going to embrace? How about your dad ()? Or if he's not around, maybe an e-dad (いだ)? You know, like a digital version of a dad.

The two readings for this word have different nuances. だく is more for physical holding and hugging, as in 赤ちゃんを抱く (to hold a baby). But when it's something you hold in your heart, like an emotion or feeling, use the いだく reading: 疑問を抱く (to hold doubts) or 夢を抱く (to have a dream), for example.

Context

Context Sentences

母熊は自分の赤ん坊を抱き上げ、顔中を舐め回した。

The mother bear embraced her baby and licked it all over its face.

Kanji Composition