受(う)け持(も)ち

Nominalization of the verb 受(う)け持(も)つ ('to take charge of; to be in charge of'). The 受(う)け- prefix conveys the idea of accepting or being assigned something, while 持(も)つ ('to hold; to carry') conveys ongoing responsibility.

Usage

Typically refers to an ongoing, assigned area of responsibility rather than a one-off task. Very common in school contexts (受(う)け持(も)ちのクラス = 'the homeroom class a teacher has been assigned'), hospital contexts (the patients a nurse or doctor is in charge of), and sales/service contexts (a salesperson's territory).

Common collocations

• 受(う)け持(も)ちの先生(せんせい): the teacher in charge; homeroom teacher
• 受(う)け持(も)ちの生徒(せいと): the students one is in charge of
• 受(う)け持(も)ちの患者(かんじゃ): one's assigned patients
• 受(う)け持(も)ちのクラス: one's homeroom class
• 受(う)け持(も)ち地域(ちいき): assigned area; territory
• 受(う)け持(も)ちになる: to be placed in charge

Similar words

• 担当(たんとう): person in charge; to be in charge — more formal and broader; used across business contexts
• 担任(たんにん): homeroom teacher — specific to a classroom teacher's role
• 責任者(せきにんしゃ): person in charge; responsible person — emphasizes accountability
• 持(も)ち場(ば): post; station — the physical place one is responsible for