Ichidan verb, transitive verb

  1. to hold in one's arms, to carry in one's arms, to carry under one's arm, to hold (one's head) in one's hands.
  2. to have (problems, debts, etc.), to take on (a responsibility), to be burdened with (e.g. care of a family member), to have (children, etc.) to provide for.
  3. to employ, to have (on one's staff), to hire.

Variations

Pronunciation Kanji Kana Is Common
 
 
抱える かかえる

Contained Kanji Breakdown

embrace, hug, hold in arms
だ.く いだ.く かか.える (7th, N3)
hand, hand radical (no. 64)
シュ
wrap, pack up, cover
つつ.む ホウ くる.む (4th, N2)
wrapping enclosure, wrapping radical (no. 20)
ホウ つつ.む (Kentei 1)
self
コ おのれ キ (6th, N1)