くわえる

Alternative writings: 咥える, 銜える, 啣える
JLPT:N2
Frequency:

1To hold something in one's mouth (e.g. a stick, food); often written in kana rather than kanji.

Group 2 VerbTransitive VerbUsually Kana

Examples

犬がボールをくわえて庭を走り回っている。

The dog is running around the yard with a ball in its mouth.

赤ん坊はよくおしゃぶりをくわえている。

Babies often have a pacifier in their mouths.

彼は虫をくわえて見せた(=口に含んで見せた)。

He put an insect in his mouth and showed it (i.e., held it in his mouth to show).

2To bring along or include something/someone; a broader sense of taking or adding something with you.

Group 2 VerbTransitive VerbUsually Kana

Examples

釣りに行くときは、餌をいくつかポケットにくわえて行ったほうがいい。

When you go fishing, it's good to take some bait in your pocket.

彼はいつも小さなノートをカバンにくわえている。

He always carries a small notebook in his bag.