Processing keyword: ～に堪える (～ni taeru)
Japanese Grammar Point: ～に堪える (～ni taeru)
1. Introduction
In this lesson, we'll explore the Japanese grammar point ～に堪える (～にたえる). This expression is used to indicate that something is worth doing or worthy of a certain action or evaluation. Understanding this grammar will enhance your ability to express appreciation or value judgments in Japanese.
2. Core Grammar Explanation
Meaning
The grammar pattern ～に堪える conveys that something deserves or is worth a particular action. It expresses that an object or action is valuable enough to merit attention, effort, or consideration.
- English Equivalent: "Worth doing...", "Deserves to be...", "Can withstand..."
Structure
The basic structure of ～に堪える is:
- Verb-Dictionary Form + に堪える
- Noun + に堪える
Formation Diagram
| Formation | Example |
|---|---|
| Verb (Dictionary Form) + に堪える | 読むに堪える (worth reading) |
| Noun + に堪える | 評価に堪える (worthy of evaluation) |
3. Comparative Analysis
～に堪えない vs. ～に堪える
- ～に堪える: Indicates that something is worth doing.
- 例: 彼の意見は聞くに堪える。
(His opinions are worth listening to.)
- 例: 彼の意見は聞くに堪える。
- ～に堪えない: Indicates that something is not worth doing.
- 例: この映画は見るに堪えない。
(This movie is not worth watching.)
- 例: この映画は見るに堪えない。
Similar Grammar Points
- ～に値する (～にあたいする): Also means "worthy of" or "deserves."
- Slight nuance: ～に値する is more formal and often used in written language.
- 例: 彼の努力は賞賛に値する。
(His efforts deserve praise.)
4. Examples in Context
Example 1: Formal Context
- Japanese: この本は読むに堪える内容だ。
- Pronunciation: このほんは よむに たえる ないようだ。
- English: This book has content that is worth reading.
Example 2: Informal Context
- Japanese: 彼の歌は聞くに堪えるよ。
- Pronunciation: かれのうたは きくに たえるよ。
- English: His songs are worth listening to.
Example 3: Written Language
- Japanese: その作品は鑑賞に堪える価値がある。
- Pronunciation: そのさくひんは かんしょうに たえる かちがある。
- English: That piece of work is worth appreciating.
Example 4: Negative Usage
- Japanese: あの映像は見るに堪えない。
- Pronunciation: あのえいぞうは みるに たえない。
- English: That footage is not worth watching.
5. Cultural Notes
Cultural Relevance
In Japanese culture, expressing the value or worthiness of something is often done with subtlety and nuance. Using ～に堪える allows the speaker to appraise something positively in a modest and respectful manner.
Levels of Politeness
- ～に堪える is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, but it's more commonly found in written language or formal speech.
- When speaking casually, Japanese speakers might opt for simpler expressions like おもしろい (interesting) or いい (good).
Idiomatic Expressions
- 見るに堪えない: Too terrible to look at.
- 聞くに堪えない: Too awful to listen to. These idioms use the negative form ～に堪えない to express that something is unbearable.
6. Common Mistakes and Tips
Error Analysis
- Mistake: Using ～に堪える with inappropriate verbs.
- Incorrect: 彼は走るに堪える。 (He is worth running.)
- Correct: 彼の走りは見るに堪える。 (His running is worth watching.)
- Tip: Ensure the verb makes sense in the context of "worth doing."
Learning Strategies
- Mnemonic Device: Think of 堪える as "to endure" or "withstand." So, something that "withstands" scrutiny is "worth" it.
- Tip: Practice by pairing ～に堪える with sensory verbs like 見る (to see), 聞く (to listen), 読む (to read).
7. Summary and Review
Key Takeaways
- ～に堪える is used to express that something is worth doing.
- It attaches to the dictionary form of verbs or nouns.
- Commonly used in formal or written Japanese.
- Be mindful of the verb or noun you pair with ～に堪える to ensure natural expression.
Quick Recap Quiz
- Fill in the blank: この絵は___に堪える芸術作品だ。
- Answer: 鑑賞 (かんしょう)
- Translation: This painting is an art piece worth appreciating.
- True or False: ～に堪える can be used with any verb.
- Answer: False. It should be used with verbs where "worth doing" makes sense.
- Translate to Japanese: "Her speech was worth listening to."
- Answer: 彼女のスピーチは聞くに堪えた。
By mastering ～に堪える, you enhance your ability to express value judgments thoughtfully in Japanese. Practice using this grammar point in sentences to become more comfortable with its nuances.