Translation and Meaning of: 耐える - taeru

The Japanese word 耐える[たえる] carries a deep and versatile meaning, often used in everyday life and culture in Japan. If you are studying Japanese or simply interested in the language, understanding its usage, translation, and context can open doors to more natural communication. In this article, we will explore everything from the basic meaning to interesting facts about how this word is perceived by native speakers.

Meaning and use of 耐える

耐える [たえる] can be translated as "to endure," "to resist," or "to bear," depending on the context. It is used for both physical situations, such as enduring pain, and emotional ones, like dealing with difficulties. For example, in phrases like "痛みに耐える" (to endure pain), the word conveys resilience.

In Japan, the concept of perseverance is valued, and 耐える reflects this. Unlike simply waiting, it implies an active action of resistance. This nuance is important for students who wish to use the word correctly, avoiding confusion with terms like 我慢する (which also means "to endure", but with a more everyday tone).

Origin and writing in kanji

The kanji 耐 is composed of the radical 而 (which refers to "to endure") and 寸 (measure), suggesting the idea of resistance over time. This combination is not random: in classical Chinese writing, the character already carried the meaning of durability, later adapted for Japanese.

It is worth noting that 耐える is not an archaic term — it frequently appears in newspapers, literature, and even in anime dialogues. Its kun'yomi reading (たえる) is more common than the on'yomi (たい), used in compounds like 耐熱 (たいねつ, "heat-resistant").

Tips for memorizing and using correctly

A practical way to remember 耐える is to associate it with challenging situations. Think of phrases like "ストレスに耐える" (to endure stress) or "寒さに耐える" (to endure the cold). This type of context helps to internalize the verb without memorizing disjointed lists.

Interestingly, 耐える is not used for inanimate objects — saying that a bridge "耐える" would sound strange. For this, the Japanese prefer terms like 耐えるの派生語 (derivatives), such as 耐久性 (structural resistance). This distinction is a detail that even some intermediate speakers may not be aware of.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 耐え忍ぶ (taenobu) - Persevere and endure difficulties with patience.
• 我慢する (gaman suru) - Support or endure, especially in uncomfortable situations.
• 辛抱する (shinbō suru) - To endure or to bear, usually with a connotation of patience in difficult times.
• 耐える (taeru) - Support, resist, or endure something, indicating strength.
• 我を忍ぶ (ga o shinobu) - Stay in control and keep calm, especially in difficult situations.
• 我慢強いる (gamanjiru) - Forcing someone to endure; it implies a strong and prolonged resistance.

耐える

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

Translation / Meaning: to support; to hold on

Meaning in English: to bear;to endure

Definition: Endure difficulties and sufferings.

Example Sentences - (耐える) taeru

See below some example sentences:

私は困難な状況に耐えることができます。

Watashi wa konnan na joukyou ni taeru koto ga dekimasu

I can withstand difficult situations.

• 私 (watashi) - Japanese personal pronoun that means "I"
• は (wa) - Japanese particle that indicates the topic of the sentence
• 困難な (konnan na) - Japanese adjective meaning "difficult"
• 状況 (joukyou) - Japanese noun that means "situation"
• に (ni) - Japanese particle that indicates the grammatical function of "place" or "time."
• 耐える (taeru) - Japanese verb that means "to endure" or "to hold on."
• ことができます (koto ga dekimasu) - Japanese expression meaning "to be able to"

凍える寒さに耐えられない。

Tsumoreru samusa ni taerarenai

I can't stand the freezing cold.

I can't stand the freezing cold.

• 凍える - freeze, chill
• 寒さ - Cold
• に - particle that indicates target or destination
• 耐える - support, endure
• られない - negation of the potential form of the verb "suportar"