Translation and Meaning of: 得る - uru
If you've ever wondered how to say "obtain" or "acquire" in Japanese in a more formal or literary way, the word 得る (うる) is one of the best options. In this article, we will explore its etymology, meaning, and how it is used in everyday Japanese. Additionally, you will discover the secret behind its kanji and how to memorize it effortlessly. Here at Suki Nihongo, you will also find practical examples to include in your Anki and enhance your studies with spaced repetition.
Many people search on Google for the exact meaning of 得る, its translation, and even curiosities about its origin. And it's no wonder: this little word has a more classic feel, appearing frequently in formal texts, proverbs, and even in fixed expressions. Could it be linked to the verb 得る (える), which also means "to gain"? Let's uncover all of this below.
The origin and the kanji of 得る
The kanji 得 is composed of two radicals: 彳 (step) and 旦 (dawn). Together, they suggest the idea of "reaching something with movement," as if it were a path to obtaining results. In ancient China, this character was already used with the meaning of "to gain" or "to acquire advantage." When it arrived in Japan, it retained the same meaning but gained different pronunciations, such as うる and える.
A curiosity is that 得る (うる) is considered an archaic verb in modern language, but it still resists in specific contexts. If you have ever read any legal text or a proverb like "虎穴に入らずんば虎子を得ず" (nothing ventured, nothing gained), you have come across it. What’s interesting is that, despite being formal, this form carries a weight of ancestral wisdom.
How to use 得る in daily life
Unlike the verb 得る (える), which is more common in everyday use, うる appears in fixed constructions and idiomatic expressions. For example, the phrase "あり得ない" (impossible) is one of the most popular and uses this reading. Another case is "得難い" (difficult to obtain), which emphasizes the idea of something valuable and rare. If you want to sound more cultured or understand classical texts, mastering this verb is essential.
But pay attention: 得る (うる) almost always comes accompanied by another verb in the 〜し得る form, indicating possibility. For example, "理解し得る" means "that can be understood." It's as if it adds a sense of potentiality to the action. If you've already studied ことができる, you can think of this structure as a more concise and elegant version.
Tips for memorization and curiosities
A foolproof way to fixate 得る is to associate it with situations of achievement. Imagine that the kanji 得 is a trophy you earn after a great effort. Another tip is to remember that it appears in words like 得意 (とくい - specialty), which also relates to "having skill." This way, you create mental connections that facilitate memorization.
How about a pun? In Japanese, 得る (うる) and 売る (vender) have the same pronunciation. But while one means "to obtain," the other is quite the opposite: "to get rid of something." A common joke is to say that "得るためにはまず売る必要がある" (to gain, you first need to sell). These word games help memorize not just the term, but also its use in real contexts.
Vocabulary
Expand your vocabulary with related words:
Verb conjugation of 得る
- 得る - base form
- 得られる - passive form
- 得させる - causative form
- 得たい - potential form
Synonyms and similar words
- 手に入れる (te ni ireru) - Obtain, get something desired.
- 獲得する (kakutoku suru) - Acquire, especially through effort or achievement.
- 取得する (shutoku suru) - Obtain, usually used in formal or academic contexts.
- 得点する (tokuten suru) - Scoring points, specifically in games or competitions.
- 得る (uru) - Obtain, receive or have something.
- 獲る (toru) - Capture or obtain, often used in the context of catching or capturing something.
- 手にする (te ni suru) - To have something on hand, or to obtain something physically.
- 手に掛ける (te ni kakeru) - To put in hands means to start using or handling something.
- 手中に収める (shuchuu ni osameru) - To have something completely in possession, literally "putting it in one's hands".
Related words
yurusu
to allow; authorize; to approve; exempt (from a fine); excuse (from); trust in; to forgive; absolve; apologize; release; leave it out.
Romaji: uru
Kana: うる
Type: verb
L: jlpt-n3
Translation / Meaning: to obtain; purchase
Meaning in English: to obtain;to acquire
Definition: conseguir algo
Quick Access
- Vocabulary
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How to Write in Japanese - (得る) uru
See below a step-by-step guide on how to write the word by hand in Japanese. (得る) uru:
Example Sentences - (得る) uru
See below some example sentences:
Tsume wo togu mono wa ri wo eru
He who sharpens his claws gets benefits.
The person who sharpens nails becomes profitable.
- 爪 (tsume) - nail, claw
- を (wo) - Particle that indicates the object of the action
- 研ぐ (togu) - sharpen, grind
- 者 (mono) - person
- は (wa) - Particle indicating the topic of the sentence
- 利 (ri) - benefit, profit
- を (wo) - Particle that indicates the object of the action
- 得る (eru) - obtain, gain
Keiken wo kokorogeru koto ga taisetsu desu
It is important to have experience.
It is important to know your experience.
- 経験 - experience
- を - object particle
- 心得る - To know, to understand
- こと - Abstract noun
- が - Subject particle
- 大切 - important, valuable
- です - verb "to be"
Kyoka wo eru hitsuyou ga arimasu
Permission is required.
You need to get permission.
- 許可 (kyoka) - permission
- を (wo) - direct object particle
- 得る (eru) - get
- 必要 (hitsuyou) - necessary
- が (ga) - subject particle
- あります (arimasu) - there is, there is
Tomu wo enai jōkyō ni ochiitta
I was in a situation where I couldn't help it.
I was in an unavoidable situation.
- 止むを得ない - means "inevitable" or "having no choice".
- 状況 - It means "situation" or "circumstance".
- に - it is a particle that indicates the relationship between the situation and the verb that follows it.
- 陥った - is the verb "陥る" in the past, which means "to fall into," "to be caught in," or "to be trapped in."
Watashi wa anata no shoudaku o etai desu
I would like to get your approval.
I want to get your consent.
- 私 (watashi) - Japanese personal pronoun that means "I"
- は (wa) - Japanese particle that indicates the topic of the sentence
- あなた (anata) - Japanese personal pronoun meaning "you"
- の (no) - Japanese particle indicating possession or relationship between two things
- 承諾 (shoudaku) - substantivo japanese que significa "consentimento" ou "aprovação"
- を (wo) - Japanese particle that indicates the direct object of the sentence
- 得たい (etaitai) - verbo japanese que significa "querer obter"
- です (desu) - verbo auxiliar japanese que indica a forma educada ou respeitosa da frase
Koketsu ni irazunba koji wo ezu
If you don't get into the tiger
If you do not enter the tiger's cave, you will not take your puppy.
- 虎穴 - tiger hole
- に - particle indicating location
- 入らず - do not enter
- んば - conditional conjunction
- 虎子 - tiger cub
- を - particle indicating direct object
- 得ず - don't get
- . - Period
Other Words of this Type: verb
See other words from our dictionary that are also: verb