Translation and Meaning of: 堪える - taeru

The Japanese word 堪える (たえる) is a term that carries interesting nuances and can cause some confusion among language learners. In this article, we will explore its meaning, origin, and practical uses in everyday Japanese. Furthermore, we will understand how this word is culturally perceived and what the most appropriate contexts are for applying it. If you have ever encountered 堪える in texts or conversations and were unsure of its meaning, this guide will clarify your main questions.

Meaning and translation of 堪える: To endure, to bear, to withstand.

The verb 堪える (たえる) has two main meanings, which can often seem contradictory at first glance. The first sense is "to endure" or "to bear," indicating physical or emotional resistance. For example, it can be used to describe someone who bears pain or a difficult situation.

The second meaning is "to be worth it" or "to deserve," usually used in negative constructions. Phrases like 読むに堪えない (よむにたえない, "not worth reading") are common and express that something does not meet a certain standard. This duality of meanings makes 堪える a versatile word, but one that requires attention to context.

Origin and composition of kanji

The kanji 堪 is composed of the radical 土 (earth) and the component 甚 (extreme). This combination suggests the idea of "withstanding something to the limit," which is directly related to the first meaning of the word. The etymology reinforces the notion of endurance, whether physical or metaphorical.

It is worth noting that 堪える is not an archaic term, but it is also not among the most frequent in modern Japanese. It appears more in formal or literary contexts, while words like 我慢する (がまんする) are more common in daily life to express "endure."

Cultural usage and memorization tips

In Japan, the ability to endure adversities is highly valued, and 堪える reflects part of that mindset. The word can be associated with concepts such as perseverance (忍耐) and resilience, which are important traits in Japanese culture. Its negative usage ("not worth it") also shows a value judgment based on strict standards.

To memorize 堪える, a useful tip is to focus on the kanji 堪 and its relation to "to endure." Imagine someone firmly planted on the ground (radical 土), resisting extreme pressure (甚). This mental image can help to anchor the main meaning of the word. Another strategy is to practice with sentences that contrast its two uses, such as 彼の我慢強さは堪え難い (his patience is unbearable) versus この本は堪える (this book is worth it).

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Verb conjugation of 堪える

• 堪える - dictionary form
• 堪えます - Formal / Polite
• 堪えない - Negative
• 堪えた - Past
• 堪えろ - imperative

Synonyms and similar words

• 耐える (taeru) - To endure; to withstand something difficult or painful.
• 我慢する (gaman suru) - To have patience; to endure with perseverance, especially in adverse situations.
• 忍ぶ (shinobu) - To endure in silence; to bear something without complaint, often related to emotional difficulties.

堪える

Romaji: taeru
Kana: たえる
Type: verb
L: jlpt-n2, jlpt-n1

Translation / Meaning: to support; to hold on; resist; tolerate; to sustain; face; be suitable for; be equal to

Meaning in English: to bear;to stand;to endure;to put up with;to support;to withstand;to resist;to brave;to be fit for;to be equal to

Definition: To support difficult situations.

Example Sentences - (堪える) taeru

See below some example sentences:

私は辛い状況に堪えることができます。

Watashi wa tsurai jōkyō ni koraeru koto ga dekimasu

I can withstand difficult situations.

I can bear the painful situation.

• 私 (watashi) - personal pronoun that means "I"
• は (wa) - particle that indicates the topic of the sentence, in this case "I"
• 辛い (karai) - Adjective that means "spicy" or "hot"
• 状況 (joukyou) - noun meaning "situation" or "circumstance"
• に (ni) - particle indicating the grammatical function of "joukyou", in this case "in"
• 堪える (koraeru) - verb that means "to endure" or "to tolerate"
• こと (koto) - noun that indicates an action or abstract event, in this case "to endure"
• が (ga) - particle that indicates the subject of the sentence, in this case "I"
• できます (dekimasu) - verb that means "to be able to" or "to be able to do"

彼女は辛い病気に堪えている。

Kanojo wa tsurai byouki ni koraete iru

She is supporting a painful disease.

She has a painful disease.

• 彼女 (kanojo) - she
• は (wa) - Topic particle
• 辛い (tsurai) - Painful, difficult
• 病気 (byouki) - disease
• に (ni) - particle indicating target or destination
• 堪えている (koraeteiru) - enduring, enduring