得る
eru / uru
Can; to be able to; is possible to~
Expresses possibility or ability, equivalent to 'can' or 'to be able to', often in written or formal contexts.
How to form it
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.
What it means
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.
Example sentences
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.
Don’t confuse it with
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.
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Formal and literary; used in writing, news reports, and speeches, not in everyday conversation.
Next in the N2 path
24Questions
What does 得る mean?
Can; to be able to; is possible to~. Expresses possibility or ability, equivalent to 'can' or 'to be able to', often in written or formal contexts.
How do you form 得る?
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.
Example of 得る in a sentence
この計画は実現し得る。 — This plan can be realized.
ことができる — what is the difference?
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.
What JLPT level is 得る?
JLPT N2 (upper intermediate), number 23 of 195 in Nihoner's learning order for N2.
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