1.
having children, being a parent
Describes a person who has children. Used as a modifier or descriptor.
子持ちの女性。
A woman with children.
子持ちで再婚するのは大変だ。
Remarrying with children is difficult.
子持ちの社員が働きやすい環境を整える。
To create a work environment that is easy for employees with children.
2.
containing eggs or roe
Describes fish or seafood that contains eggs. Used as a modifier in food contexts.
子持ちししゃもを焼く。
To grill shishamo with roe.
子持ち昆布はお正月の料理に使われる。
Herring roe on kelp is used in New Year's dishes.
この時期は子持ちのカレイがおいしい。
Flounder with roe is delicious at this time of year.
子持ち literally means "having children" (子 = child + 持ち = having). It functions as a noun modifier.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 子持ちの女性 (woman with children)
- 子持ち昆布 (herring roe on kelp)
- 子持ちししゃも (shishamo with roe)
USAGE:
Sense 1 is used in social contexts to describe a person's family status. It is neutral in tone but can carry social implications when discussing marriage, employment, or dating. Sense 2 is a culinary term describing fish or seafood that contains eggs, considered a delicacy in Japanese cuisine.