1To hold in one's hand; to grasp or carry something physically.
彼は箱を両手でしっかり持った。
He held the box firmly with both hands.
赤ちゃんを抱えているから片手で荷物は持てない。
I can't carry luggage with one hand because I'm holding the baby.
鉛筆は軽く持って書くと疲れにくい。
If you hold a pencil lightly when writing, it's less tiring.
2To possess or own something; to have (an object, quality, qualification, etc.).
彼は外国語の資格をいくつか持っている。
He has several foreign language qualifications.
この車は最新の安全機能を持つモデルだ。
This car is a model that has the latest safety features.
彼女は多くの貴重な絵画を持っている。
She owns many valuable paintings.
3To maintain or keep a certain state or quality (often used as 持ち続ける to mean to keep holding/maintaining).
彼は最後まで希望を持ち続けた。
He continued to keep hope until the end.
私たちは常に冷静さを持って対応すべきだ。
We should always respond with a sense of calm.
その国は独立を長く持ち続けている。
That country has maintained its independence for a long time.
4To last or be durable; to continue being effective or to survive for a period of time.
このバッテリーは一回の充電で10時間持つ。
This battery lasts 10 hours on a single charge.
新品の靴はよく手入れすれば長く持つ。
If you take good care of new shoes, they'll last a long time.
この計画は短期間しか持たないかもしれない。
This plan might only last for a short time.
5To take charge of or be responsible for something; to have (a role, class, patient, etc. under one's charge).
来学期、田中先生は英語のクラスを持つことになった。
Next semester, Mr. Tanaka will be teaching an English class.
彼女は多くの患者を持つ人気の医者だ。
She is a popular doctor who is responsible for many patients.
6To hold (an event/meeting) or to have an opportunity (to do something).
来週、プロジェクトについて話し合う会を持つ予定です。
We plan to hold a meeting next week to discuss the project.
彼女は若い研究者と意見交換の機会を持った。
She had an opportunity to exchange opinions with young researchers.
7Colloquial: to 'have it' — meaning to possess a certain charm, luck, or talent (often used as 持ってる).
あの新人俳優は本当にスター性を持ってるね。
That new actor really 'has it' — he has star quality.
彼女は場の空気を盛り上げる力を持ってる。
She has the ability to liven up the atmosphere.