Processing keyword: ～に耐える (～ni taeru)

Japanese Grammar Point: ～に耐える (～ni taeru)

～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

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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

1. 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。
2. 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).
3. 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!