取り持つ

とりもつ

Also written 執り持つ

Meanings

1. Godan verb, Transitive to act as a go-between (for); to mediate; to arrange
2. to entertain (guests); to treat; to receive

Kanji

• 取 take. Read as とり.
• 持 hold. Read as もつ.

Example sentences

• ノルウェー人外交官が、歴史的文書を生んだ秘密交渉を取り持った。
  The Norwegian diplomat mediated the secret negotiations that produced the historic document.
• トムは場を取り持とうとした。
  Tom tried to break the ice.
• メアリーは、トムとジョンの仲を取り持とうとしてみたが、失敗に終わった。
  Mary tried her best to ensure Tom and John got along well together, but her efforts amounted to nothing.

Common phrases

• 間を取り持つ
• 仲を取り持つ (なかをとりもつ) to act as mediator

Jinuma: Japanese Dictionary · Word lists