催す

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 催す is read もよおす and can mean holding an event or beginning to feel a sensation.
• Basic usage: It applies both to organizing an exhibition and to feeling sleepy.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• Meaning depends on the object
  • 写真展を催す means holding a photography exhibition.
  • 眠気を催す means beginning to feel sleepy, not holding an event.
• Relation to 開催する
  • For events, 催す overlaps in meaning with 開催する. Do not replace the sensation expression 眠気を催す with 開催する.