持有 (chí yǒu) is a formal, transitive verb meaning 'to possess' or 'to hold' — especially in a legal, official, or documented sense. It emphasizes lawful, authorized, or registered ownership or control, not just physical holding. The first character 持 means 'to hold, to maintain, to uphold', suggesting active retention or stewardship; the second character 有 means 'to have, to possess', indicating ownership or existence of rights. Together, they convey sustained, legitimate possession — commonly used for documents (e.g., passports), licenses, property, shares, or regulated items like firearms or endangered species permits.

This term appears frequently in official announcements, contracts, news reports, and administrative language. It implies responsibility and accountability: if you 持有 something, you are legally answerable for it. Unlike the more general 有 (yǒu), which simply states possession ('I have a book'), 持有 stresses formal entitlement or authorized custody ('He holds a valid work permit'). It rarely appears in casual speech and is seldom used for everyday objects unless emphasizing legal status.