Processing keyword: ～に堪える (～ni taeru)

Japanese Grammar Point: ～に堪える (～ni taeru)

～に堪える (～にたえる)

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

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.)
• ～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.)

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

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.