To 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.
To 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.
To 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.
会は冷静さを持って対応すべきだ。
We should respond with calmness.
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.
To 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.
To take charge of or be responsible for something; to have (a role or responsibility).
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.
彼はチームのリーダーを持つ立場だ。
He is in the position of having the team's leadership (leading the team).
To 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.
Colloquial: 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.