得る
🃏 Flashcard
得る
eru / uru
Tap to reveal usage
can; to be able to; is possible to~
N2
Tap to test your recall · +10 XP
📊 Pattern Stats
JLPT Level
N2
Upper-Intermediate · Academic & formal usage
Reading
eru / uru
Post ID
51015
Patterns today
0
0 / 10 daily goal
📝 Usage Notes
can; to be able to; is possible to~
📖 How to use it
Expresses possibility or ability, equivalent to 'can' or 'to be able to', often in written or formal contexts.
Attaches to
Attach to the ます-stem of a verb (the form used before ます). For example, 考える (kangaeru) becomes 考え得る (kangaeru). For する verbs, use し得る.
得る is a formal or literary way to express possibility. It is often used in written language, news, or formal speeches. It conjugates irregularly: the dictionary form is 得る (eru) or 得る (uru) depending on the context. In modern usage, 得る (eru) is more common, but 得る (uru) appears in fixed expressions like あり得る (ariuru) and 考え得る (kangaeru). When attached to a verb stem, it indicates that something is possible or can happen. It is not used in casual conversation; instead, you would use ことができる or the potential form of the verb. For example, 食べ得る is possible but very stiff; you would normally say 食べられる.
この計画は実現し得る。
Kono keikaku wa jitsugen shiuru.
This plan can be realized.
彼の言うことはあり得ない。
Kare no iu koto wa arienai.
What he says is impossible.
この事故は誰にでも起こり得る。
Kono jiko wa dare ni demo okoriuru.
This accident can happen to anyone.
Not ことができる
得る is formal/literary and often used with abstract or impersonal subjects (e.g., 起こり得る). ことができる is neutral and used for specific ability or permission (e.g., 泳ぐことができる). In conversation, prefer ことができる or the potential form.
Register
Formal and literary; used in writing, news reports, and speeches, not in everyday conversation.
🎯 Quick Quiz
What does this grammar pattern mean or do?
得る
📚 How to Master This Pattern
Say It Aloud
Press Hear it and repeat 得る three times. Feel the rhythm — grammar patterns have a natural flow.
Flip Before Reading
Always try to recall the usage before flipping the card. Struggle = learning. Every failed recall makes the next one stick harder.
Write Two Sentences
Compose two original sentences using 得る. One about yourself, one about something you see right now.
Spaced Review
Save this pattern and revisit at 10 min, 1 day, 3 days. Production (writing) beats recognition for grammar.
🔗 More JLPT N2 Patterns
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What does the grammar pattern 得る mean?
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Can; to be able to; is possible to~
What JLPT level is 得る?
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Nihoner currently groups this pattern under JLPT N2 — Upper-Intermediate · Academic & formal usage. Use the level label as study guidance rather than a prediction of what will appear on an exam.
How do you use 得る in a sentence?
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Attach 得る (eru / uru) to the appropriate verb or noun form as described in the usage notes. Then try writing two original sentences — one about yourself and one about something around you.
Is 得る formal or casual Japanese?
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得る is used in formal or written contexts. You will see it mainly in written texts, news, business Japanese and academic contexts.
How can I remember 得る long-term?
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Use the flashcard on this page for active recall — see the pattern, reconstruct the usage from memory, then flip. Follow with the 4-choice quiz to distinguish it from similar patterns. Review later the same day and again over the following days. Writing original sentences can help you practise using the pattern in context.