Processing keyword: ～に耐える (～ni taeru)
Japanese Grammar Point: ～に耐える (～ni taeru)
1. Introduction
The grammar point ～に耐える (～にたえる) is used to express the ability to endure or withstand something. It conveys that someone or something can endure, bear, or is worth a particular action or situation. It's often used in contexts where someone tolerates hardships or when something is worthy of appreciation.
2. Core Grammar Explanation
Meaning
- English Meaning: To endure; to stand; to withstand; to be worth
- Japanese Explanation: 何かを我慢できる、または価値があることを表す。
Structure
The structure of ～に耐える is as follows:
- Verb Dictionary Form + に耐える
- Noun + に耐える
Formation Diagram
[Verb Dictionary Form / Noun] + に耐える
For example:
- 読む (to read) + に耐える → 読むに耐える (worth reading)
- 批判 (criticism) + に耐える → 批判に耐える (able to withstand criticism)
3. Comparative Analysis
Comparing ～に耐える with ～に堪える
Both ～に耐える and ～に堪える are read as にたえる and have similar meanings. However:
- 耐える (耐える): Emphasizes enduring hardship or pain.
- 堪える (堪える): Often used in literary contexts to mean "worth doing." Example:
- 聞くに耐える (worth listening to) vs. 聞くに堪える (endure listening)
4. Examples in Context
Example Sentences
- この本は読むに耐える内容だ。
- Kono hon wa yomu ni taeru naiyō da.
- Translation: This book is worth reading.
- 彼の冗談は聞くに耐えない。
- Kare no jōdan wa kiku ni taenai.
- Translation: His jokes are unbearable to listen to.
- その建物は地震に耐える設計がされている。
- Sono tatemono wa jishin ni taeru sekkei ga sarete iru.
- Translation: That building is designed to withstand earthquakes.
- 彼女は困難に耐えて、目標を達成した。
- Kanojo wa konnan ni taete, mokuhyō o tassei shita.
- Translation: She endured hardships and achieved her goal.
- この絵は鑑賞に耐える価値がある。
- Kono e wa kanshō ni taeru kachi ga aru.
- Translation: This painting is worth appreciating.
5. Cultural Notes
Cultural Relevance
In Japanese culture, endurance and perseverance (我慢 gaman) are highly valued traits. Using ～に耐える reflects the cultural appreciation for enduring hardships and valuing things that are worth one's time and effort.
Idiomatic Expressions
- 見るに耐えない: Unbearable to watch
- 聞くに耐えない: Unbearable to listen
- 読むに耐える: Worth reading
6. Common Mistakes and Tips
Error Analysis
- Mistake: Using ～に耐える with the wrong verb form.
- Incorrect: 読んでに耐える
- Correct: 読むに耐える
- Mistake: Confusing ～に耐える with simple verb 耐える.
- Remember that 耐える on its own means "to endure," but when combined as ～に耐える, it often means "worth doing."
Learning Strategies
- Mnemonic Device: Think of 耐える (taeru) as "tolerate" or "tough it out." When you see ～に耐える, associate it with something being "tough enough to be worth it."
- Tip: Pay attention to context to determine if ～に耐える means "to endure" or "worth doing."
7. Summary and Review
Key Takeaways
- ～に耐える is used to express enduring something or something being worth doing.
- Formed by attaching に耐える to the verb dictionary form or a noun.
- Reflects cultural values of perseverance and appreciation.
Quick Recap Quiz
- How do you say "This movie is worth watching" using ～に耐える?
- Answer: この映画は見るに耐える。
- What is a common mistake when using ～に耐える?
- Answer: Using the wrong verb form (should be dictionary form + に耐える).
- What cultural trait does ～に耐える reflect in Japanese society?
- Answer: The value placed on endurance and perseverance (我慢).
Feel free to review this lesson and practice using ～に耐える in your own sentences to solidify your understanding!