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B1 verb #4,000 le plus courant 10 min de lecture

耐える

taeru Top 4,000

Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces 耐える en 30 secondes

Explication 耐える in your Level:

At the A1 level, you are just beginning to learn basic verbs for daily life. While 'taeru' might be slightly advanced, you can think of it as a very strong version of 'wait' or 'don't cry.' Imagine you are holding a heavy bag or waiting in a long line. In English, we might say 'it's hard,' but in Japanese, as you progress, you will use 'taeru.' For now, focus on the idea of 'holding on.' You might hear it in simple anime scenes where a character says 'Taero!' during a challenge. It is an 'Ichidan' verb, which means it follows a simple pattern: Taeru (dictionary), Taemasu (polite). Try to remember it as the word for 'withstanding' something like the cold or a heavy weight. Even at A1, knowing that Japanese people value 'enduring' will help you understand their culture better. You don't need to use it in complex sentences yet, but recognizing it when someone talks about the weather (like 'it's so hot I can't endure it') is a great start. Focus on the sound 'ta-e-ru' and associate it with a person standing strong against the wind. This visual will help you remember the core meaning of resilience. As you learn more particles, remember that 'ni' is the partner for this verb.

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At the A2 level, you can start using 'taeru' in simple sentences related to your environment and feelings. You are likely familiar with 'gaman suru' (to be patient), and 'taeru' is its more formal or intense cousin. You can use it to describe physical sensations like 'samusa ni taeru' (enduring the cold) or 'itami ni taeru' (enduring pain). Notice the use of the particle 'ni' here; it tells you what you are enduring. You should also learn the negative potential form 'taerarenai,' which means 'unbearable' or 'I can't take it.' This is very common when talking about things like noise, heat, or a bad smell. For example, 'Kono urusasa wa taerarenai' (This noise is unbearable). Learning this form will significantly boost your ability to express strong feelings about your surroundings. You might also see this word in basic news headlines about the weather or sports. If a team is defending well, they are 'taete iru.' Practice conjugating it: taeru, taemasu, taenai, taeta. By using this verb, you sound more descriptive and precise than if you only used 'gaman suru.' It shows you understand the intensity of the situation.

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At the B1 level, you should be comfortable using 'taeru' in a variety of contexts, including emotional and abstract ones. You are now expected to understand that 'taeru' is not just about physical strength but also about mental fortitude. You can use it to talk about 'kodoku ni taeru' (enduring loneliness) or 'fuan ni taeru' (enduring anxiety). This level is where you begin to see the difference between 'taeru' (to withstand external pressure) and 'koraeru' (to suppress internal impulses). For example, you 'taeru' the pain of an injection, but you 'koraeru' the tears that follow. You should also be able to understand 'taeru' in the context of structural integrity, such as 'jishin ni taeru' (withstanding an earthquake). This is common in descriptions of buildings or materials. Another important usage at this level is 'miru ni taenai' (unbearable to look at), often used to describe something very sad or very poorly made. You should be able to incorporate 'taeru' into your writing to describe challenges you have overcome. Using this verb correctly with the particle 'ni' will make your Japanese sound more sophisticated and nuanced. You are moving beyond simple daily tasks into expressing more complex human experiences and resilience.

At the B2 level, you should have a deep understanding of 'taeru' and its role in Japanese social and professional discourse. You will encounter it in business contexts, such as 'fukyo ni taeru' (enduring a recession) or 'sutoresu ni taeru' (handling stress). At this stage, you should also be familiar with more literary or formal uses, such as 'hihan ni taeru' (withstanding criticism) or 'shika ni taeru' (being worthy of looking at/appreciation). The latter is a specialized use where 'taeru' means 'to be worth' or 'to be able to withstand the scrutiny of.' You should also be aware of the noun forms and compounds, such as 'taikyuusei' (durability) and 'taishousei' (resistance). Your ability to distinguish 'taeru' from synonyms like 'shinbou suru' (patiently waiting for a result) or 'mochikotaeru' (holding out against an attack) should be refined. You might use 'taeru' in a debate to describe how a certain policy must withstand the test of time. You should also be able to recognize the kanji (耐) and its components, understanding how it relates to the concept of patience and rule. At this level, you are not just using the word; you are choosing it specifically for its weight and formal tone.

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At the C1 level, your use of 'taeru' should be indistinguishable from a native speaker's in terms of nuance and frequency. You will understand its presence in classical literature and high-level academic texts. You should be able to analyze the philosophical implications of 'taeru' within the context of Japanese stoicism and how it contrasts with Western concepts of 'resilience' or 'resistance.' You will encounter the word in complex idiomatic expressions and as part of sophisticated grammatical structures. For instance, you will understand the subtle difference when 'taeru' is used to mean 'to be worth' in phrases like 'kiku ni taeru' (worth listening to) versus when it simply means 'to bear.' You should be able to use it to describe abstract concepts like 'toshi no shiren ni taeru' (withstanding the trials of time) in a literary essay. Your understanding of the homophones 絶える and 堪える should be perfect, and you should be able to explain the etymological roots of the kanji. You will also recognize when the word is being used ironically or to criticize the culture of over-endurance (the 'gaman' culture) in modern Japan. At this level, the word is a tool for expressing deep-seated values and subtle evaluations of quality and character.

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At the C2 level, 'taeru' is a word you can manipulate with complete mastery, understanding every possible shade of meaning and historical baggage it carries. You are aware of its usage in ancient texts where the boundaries between 'taeru' (耐), '堪える' (koraeru/taeru), and '忍ぶ' (shinobu) were even more fluid than they are today. You can discuss the evolution of the kanji from its origins as a depiction of a punishment one must endure to its modern meaning of resilience. You are comfortable using the word in legal, technical, and highly poetic contexts. You can appreciate the word's role in the 'aesthetic of endurance' found in traditional Japanese arts like Noh or tea ceremony, where the ability to 'endure' silence and stillness is paramount. You can write sophisticated critiques using the 'taeru' (worth/value) sense to evaluate the lasting impact of a piece of art or a philosophical theory. Your speech will naturally incorporate 'taeru' in a way that reflects the gravity of the situation, and you will be able to detect the slightest misuse of the word by others. For you, '耐える' is not just a verb; it is a window into the Japanese psyche, representing the intersection of physical reality, social expectation, and personal strength.

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Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces

耐える en 30 secondes

Enduring physical or mental hardship with resilience.
Withstanding external pressure, used for both people and objects.
Commonly used with the particle 'ni' to indicate the source of stress.
Implies a noble or significant struggle, not just minor patience.

The Japanese verb 耐える (taeru) is a fundamental concept in both the Japanese language and the underlying cultural ethos of perseverance. At its core, it means to endure, to bear, to withstand, or to put up with a situation that is physically or mentally challenging. However, its application spans a vast spectrum of contexts, ranging from the structural integrity of a building during a seismic event to the emotional fortitude required to handle a personal tragedy. To understand 耐える, one must first appreciate the Japanese value of 'gaman' (perseverance), which is the ability to maintain dignity and composure in the face of adversity. This verb is the linguistic embodiment of that virtue. It is most commonly used when an individual is subjected to an external force—be it physical pain, extreme weather, a heavy workload, or social pressure—and chooses to remain steadfast rather than give in or break down. Unlike simple 'waiting,' 耐える implies a struggle against a burden.

Physical Endurance: This refers to the body's ability to withstand external stimuli like heat, cold, or hunger. For instance, an athlete might endure the burning sensation in their muscles during the final sprint of a marathon.

Emotional Fortitude: This involves the capacity to process and withstand psychological pain, such as grief, loneliness, or the urge to cry in a public setting where such displays are discouraged.

厳しい寒さに耐えることで、春の訪れを待つ。(By enduring the severe cold, one waits for the arrival of spring.)

Beyond human experience, the verb is used scientifically and technically. A material that does not melt at high temperatures is said to 'taeru' that heat. This inanimate usage highlights the word's focus on resilience and the maintenance of form or function under stress. When you hear this word in a conversation, it often carries a weight of respect for the person doing the enduring. It suggests a certain level of nobility in the act of not complaining while suffering. In modern workplace culture, it might be used to describe someone 'sticking it out' in a difficult job environment. However, there is a fine line between healthy endurance and harmful over-exertion, and contemporary Japanese discourse is beginning to examine when one should stop 'taeru' and instead seek change.

彼は孤独に耐える力が強い。(He has a strong ability to endure loneliness.)

Structural Resilience: Used to describe objects that do not break under pressure, such as a bridge withstanding a flood or a roof withstanding heavy snow.

この建物は震度七の地震にも耐えるように設計されている。(This building is designed to withstand an earthquake of intensity seven.)

苦しみに耐える姿は美しい。(The sight of someone enduring suffering is beautiful.)

空腹に耐えられなくて、夜食を食べてしまった。(I couldn't endure the hunger and ended up eating a late-night snack.)

Using 耐える correctly requires understanding its grammatical partnership with the particle に (ni). In Japanese, the target or the source of the pressure that one is enduring is marked by に. This differs from English, where we 'endure something' (direct object). For example, to say 'endure the heat,' you would say 'atsusa ni taeru' (暑さに耐える). This construction emphasizes that the heat is the external condition the subject is reacting to. It is also important to distinguish between the various forms of the verb. As an Ichidan (Group 2) verb, it conjugates consistently: the dictionary form is taeru, the polite form is taemasu, the negative is taenai, and the potential form is taerareru. The potential form is particularly common in daily speech, especially in its negative iteration, 'taerarenai' (cannot endure / unbearable).

Basic Pattern: [Noun] + に + 耐える. Example: 痛みに耐える (Endure the pain).

Potential Form: 耐えられる (Can endure). Example: この重さに耐えられますか？ (Can you endure this weight?)

彼は上司の小言に黙って耐えた。(He silently endured his boss's nagging.)

When using 耐える in a more abstract or literary sense, it can mean 'to be worth' or 'to withstand scrutiny.' For example, 'kansho ni taeru' (鑑賞に耐える) means something is worthy of appreciation or can stand up to critical viewing. This is a higher-level usage often found in art criticism or academic writing. In such cases, the implication is that the work is so robust in its quality that it does not 'break' or lose value when subjected to intense observation.

この橋は大型トラックの通行に耐えられる構造だ。(This bridge is structured to withstand the passage of large trucks.)

Another nuance to consider is the difference between 耐える and 我慢する (gaman suru). While they overlap, 'gaman suru' is much more common in daily conversation for minor inconveniences like waiting for a bus or holding one's tongue. 耐える sounds more significant, often implying a more heroic or long-lasting struggle. If you use 耐える for something trivial, it might sound overly dramatic unless you are being sarcastic. For instance, 'I endured the wait for my coffee' using 耐える would imply the wait was a life-altering hardship.

屈辱に耐えて、いつか見返してやるつもりだ。(I will endure this humiliation and show them one day.)

Negative Form: 耐えない (Does not endure). Often used in the sense of 'cannot bear to see' (見るに耐えない).

彼の惨めな姿は見るに耐えない。(His miserable appearance is unbearable to look at.)

長い冬に耐えた植物が芽吹いた。(The plants that endured the long winter have sprouted.)

You will encounter 耐える in a variety of real-world scenarios, each carrying a different weight. In news reports, especially those concerning natural disasters, the word is ubiquitous. Journalists use it to describe the resilience of infrastructure or the stoicism of affected communities. For example, after an earthquake, a reporter might describe a historic temple that 'taeta' (withstood) the tremors without collapsing. This usage reinforces the idea of strength and durability against overwhelming natural forces. In the sports world, commentators frequently use 耐える to describe an athlete's performance during the 'climax' or the most difficult part of a match. A tennis player who is being heavily pressured by their opponent's serves but manages to keep the ball in play is said to be '耐えている' (enduring/holding on). This context highlights the defensive aspect of endurance—not just surviving, but actively resisting a loss.

News & Media: Used for disaster resilience, economic hardships, and social movements.

日本代表チームは相手の猛攻に最後まで耐え抜いた。(The Japan national team endured the opponent's fierce attack until the very end.)

In anime and manga, 耐える is a staple of the 'shonen' genre. Characters often find themselves in situations where they must endure immense physical pain or emotional trauma to protect their friends or achieve their goals. The phrase '耐えろ！' (Taero! - Endure it! / Hold on!) is a common battle cry. In these fictional contexts, the word is romanticized, portraying endurance as the ultimate test of character. It connects back to the samurai ideal of 'bushido,' where showing pain was considered a weakness.

この暑さはもう耐えられない。(This heat is already unbearable.)

In the corporate world, 耐える appears in discussions about market fluctuations or surviving a 'recession' (fukyo ni taeru). It is also used in performance reviews or self-reflections regarding 'stress tolerance' (sutoresu ni taeru chikara). If a business is struggling but manages to stay afloat, they are said to be 'enduring' the storm. This reflects the high value placed on longevity and stability in Japanese business philosophy.

Literature & Art: Used to describe works that are 'timeless' or 'stand the test of time' (toshi no shiren ni taeru).

古典文学は、何世紀もの時間に耐えて読み継がれている。(Classical literature has withstood centuries of time and continues to be read.)

彼はどんな逆境にも耐える精神力を持っている。(He has the mental strength to endure any adversity.)

その映画は二度の鑑賞に耐えるほど内容が深い。(The movie has such deep content that it is worth watching twice.)

One of the most frequent mistakes English speakers make when using 耐える is applying the wrong particle. In English, we 'endure hardships' where 'hardships' is the direct object. This leads many learners to say 'kunan o taeru' (苦難を耐える). While this is occasionally seen in poetic or very old Japanese, the standard, correct particle for modern Japanese is に (ni). Using を (o) makes the sentence sound unnatural or 'translated.' Always remember: you are enduring *to* the pressure, not just enduring the pressure.

Particle Confusion: Incorrect: 寒さを耐える (Samusa o taeru). Correct: 寒さに耐える (Samusa ni taeru).

Another common pitfall is the confusion between 耐える and its homophones. The word 絶える (taeru) is pronounced exactly the same but means 'to die out' or 'to cease.' For example, 'shisou ga taeru' (thought/lineage dies out). Mixing these up in writing is a common error even for native children, but for learners, it can lead to complete misunderstandings. Additionally, there is 堪える, which can be read as 'taeru' or 'koraeru.' While they are related, 'koraeru' is more about suppressing an internal impulse (like tears or anger), whereas 'taeru' is about withstanding an external force.

× 痛みを耐える → ○ 痛みに耐える

Learners also tend to overuse 耐える in situations where 我慢する (gaman suru) or 辛抱する (shinbou suru) would be more appropriate. 耐える sounds heavy and dramatic. If you are 'enduring' a slightly long line at a grocery store, using 耐える will make you sound like you are surviving a war zone. Use 'gaman suru' for everyday annoyances. 'Shinbou suru' is often used when you are patiently waiting for a result or a better time, like 'patiently enduring' a low-paying job while you gain experience.

Over-dramatization: Avoid using 耐える for minor inconveniences. It implies a high level of suffering or structural stress.

× 宿題に耐える (Unless the homework is physically crushing you). ○ 宿題を頑張る (Do your best with homework).

Finally, watch out for the phrase 'miru ni taenai' (unbearable to look at). Some learners think this means 'it's so beautiful I can't look,' but it almost always means the opposite: it's so pathetic, cruel, or poorly done that it is painful to watch.

その惨状は見るに耐えなかった。(The disastrous scene was unbearable to look at.)

× 彼の冗談は耐えられないくらい面白い (His joke is unbearably funny - Unnatural). ○ 彼の冗談は笑いすぎてお腹が痛い (I laughed so hard my stomach hurts).

Japanese has several words that translate to 'endure' or 'bear,' but they are not interchangeable. Understanding the nuances between 耐える, 堪える (koraeru), 我慢する (gaman suru), and 忍ぶ (shinobu) is key to sounding natural.

耐える (Taeru): Focuses on resilience against external pressure or weight. Used for both people and objects. Implies withstanding something for a duration.

堪える (Koraeru): Focuses on suppressing internal feelings or physical urges. Example: 涙を堪える (suppress tears). It is about holding something back from coming out.

我慢する (Gaman suru): The most common daily word. It means to be patient or to put up with something. It can be used for small things (waiting) or big things (pain).

痛みを堪える (Koraeru - Suppressing the cry of pain) vs 痛みに耐える (Taeru - Withstanding the pain itself).

忍ぶ (Shinobu): A more literary or poetic word. It implies enduring something while hiding one's feelings or presence. It is the root of 'ninja' (shinobi).

辛抱する (Shinbou suru): Implies long-term patience, often with the hope of a reward or improvement in the future. Often used in work or training contexts.

今は辛抱の時だ。(Now is the time for patient endurance.)

屈辱を忍ぶ (Endure humiliation silently/secretly).

猛攻を持ちこたえる (To hold out against a fierce attack - more active than taeru).

不況を生き抜く (To survive through a recession - emphasizes the result of survival).

How Formal Is It?

Le savais-tu ?

The 'beard' radical in 耐 is also seen in the character for 'soft' (軟), implying something that can bend but not break—a key concept in endurance.

Guide de prononciation

UK tɑ.e.ɾɯ

US tɑ.e.ɾu

The pitch accent is 'Heiban' (flat), meaning the pitch starts low on 'ta' and stays high on 'e' and 'ru'.

Rime avec

kaeru (to return) saeru (to be clear) haeru (to grow) maeru (to come/go - humble) toraeru (to catch) koraeru (to endure) tataeru (to praise) osaeru (to suppress)

Erreurs fréquentes

Pronouncing 'ta' and 'e' as a single syllable like 'tie'. They must be distinct.
Using a heavy English 'r' for 'ru'. It should be a light flap.
Mixing up the pitch accent with 'taeru' (to cease), which is 'Atamadaka' (high-low-low).
Stressing the final syllable too hard.
Mumbling the 'e' sound.

Niveau de difficulté

Lecture 3/5

The kanji is common but has several homophones that can be confusing in text.

Écriture 4/5

Writing the kanji correctly requires attention to the 'beard' radical and the 'sun' component.

Expression orale 2/5

The pronunciation is simple, but choosing between taeru and gaman-suru takes practice.

Écoute 3/5

Must distinguish from 'taeru' (to cease) based on context and pitch.

Quoi apprendre ensuite

Prérequis

待つ (Matsu) 強い (Tsuyoi) 痛い (Itai) 我慢 (Gaman) 受ける (Ukeru)

Apprends ensuite

堪える (Koraeru) 忍ぶ (Shinobu) 凌ぐ (Shinogu) 克服する (Kokufuku suru) 辛抱 (Shinbou)

Avancé

不撓不屈 (Futou-fukutsu) 艱難辛苦 (Kannan-shinku) 臥薪嘗胆 (Gashin-shoutan) 堅忍不抜 (Kennin-fubatsu) 忍耐力 (Nintairyoku)

Grammaire à connaître

Particle 'ni' for Target of Endurance

寒さに耐える (Endure the cold).

Potential Form for Ability

この重さには耐えられない (I cannot endure this weight).

Te-form for Linking/Method

痛みに耐えて、走り続けた (Enduring the pain, I continued to run).

Verb + 'ni taenai' (Idiom)

聞くに耐えない話 (A story unbearable to listen to).

Compound Verb with '-nuku'

苦難を耐え抜く (To endure through hardships until the end).

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Exemples par niveau

寒さに耐えます。

I will endure the cold.

Basic verb form with particle に.

痛みに耐えてください。

Please endure the pain.

Te-form + kudasai for a request.

彼は重さに耐えた。

He endured the weight.

Past tense form of taeru.

耐えろ！

Endure it! / Hold on!

Imperative (command) form.

この靴は雨に耐える。

These shoes withstand rain.

Using taeru for inanimate objects.

空腹に耐えられません。

I cannot endure the hunger.

Potential negative form (taerarenai).

みんなで耐えましょう。

Let's all endure together.

Volitional form (mashou).

暑さに耐える力。

The power to endure heat.

Verb modifying a noun (chikara).

昨日の夜は寒さに耐えられなかった。

I couldn't endure the cold last night.

Past potential negative form.

この建物は火事に耐えることができます。

This building can withstand fire.

Koto ga dekiru structure for ability.

静かに痛みに耐えている姿を見た。

I saw him silently enduring the pain.

Te-iru form for ongoing action.

隣の部屋の音がうるさくて、耐えられない。

The noise from the next room is so loud I can't stand it.

Using 'te' for reason + taerarenai.

彼は厳しい練習に耐えて、優勝した。

He endured strict practice and won the championship.

Te-form used to link sequential actions.

このスマホは水に耐える設計です。

This smartphone is designed to withstand water.

Taeru modifying 'sekkei' (design).

苦しみに耐えるのは大変です。

It is hard to endure suffering.

Nominalizing the verb with 'no'.

彼は怒りに耐えて、何も言わなかった。

He endured his anger and said nothing.

Using 'te' to describe how the main action was done.

彼女は孤独に耐える強い心を持っている。

She has a strong heart that can endure loneliness.

Abstract noun (kodoku) as the object of endurance.

この素材は、かなりの高温に耐えられる。

This material can withstand quite high temperatures.

Potential form used for technical capability.

長い間の不況に耐えて、会社を守った。

He endured a long recession and protected the company.

Economic context of endurance.

彼の話はあまりに悲しくて、聞くに耐えなかった。

His story was so sad that it was unbearable to listen to.

The 'worth/bear' usage: kiku ni taenai.

どんな困難にも耐える覚悟ができている。

I am prepared to endure any difficulty.

Using 'kakugo' (resolution) with taeru.

ダムは激しい大雨に耐え抜いた。

The dam endured the heavy rain until the end.

Compound verb 'taenuku' (to endure to the end).

誘惑に耐えるのは、時に肉体的な苦痛より難しい。

Enduring temptation is sometimes harder than physical pain.

Comparing abstract and physical endurance.

この家は震度六強の揺れにも耐えた。

This house withstood the shaking of an intensity 6-upper earthquake.

Specific technical context of disaster resilience.

彼の作品は、専門家の厳しい批判に耐えるものだ。

His work is something that can withstand the harsh criticism of experts.

Using taeru to mean 'withstand scrutiny'.

屈辱に耐えて、彼はついに復讐の機会を得た。

Enduring the humiliation, he finally got his chance for revenge.

Dramatic/narrative use of taeru.

このプラスチックは日光にさらされても劣化に耐える。

This plastic withstands degradation even when exposed to sunlight.

Scientific/technical usage for durability.

その映画のラストシーンは、見るに耐えないほど残酷だった。

The last scene of that movie was so cruel it was unbearable to watch.

Fixed expression 'miru ni taenai'.

厳しい冬に耐えた花が、ようやく咲き始めた。

The flowers that endured the harsh winter have finally begun to bloom.

Metaphorical use for growth and resilience.

彼は周囲の反対に耐えて、自分の意志を貫いた。

He endured the opposition from those around him and carried out his will.

Social endurance against pressure.

この橋の設計は、百年の歳月に耐えることを目標としている。

The design of this bridge aims to withstand a hundred years of time.

Time as the subject of endurance.

激務に耐えかねて、彼は会社を辞める決心をした。

Unable to bear the heavy workload, he decided to quit the company.

Using 'taekanete' (unable to bear).

古典的な名著は、時代の試練に耐えて生き残る。

Classical masterpieces withstand the trials of time and survive.

Abstract literary context.

彼の無礼な態度は、もはや看過に耐えないレベルだ。

His rude attitude is no longer at a level that can be tolerated.

Sophisticated use: 'kanko ni taenai' (unbearable to overlook).

その論文の論理は、多角的な検証に耐えうる強固なものだ。

The logic of that paper is solid enough to withstand multi-faceted verification.

Using 'taeuru' (can withstand) in formal writing.

極限状態において、精神がどこまで耐えられるかを試された。

In extreme conditions, I was tested on how much my spirit could endure.

Philosophical/psychological context.

この伝統芸能は、数世紀にわたる変遷に耐えて今日に伝わっている。

This traditional art has withstood transitions over several centuries and been passed down to today.

Cultural history context.

彼の演奏は、音楽通の耳に耐えるだけの気品がある。

His performance has enough elegance to satisfy the ears of music connoisseurs.

The 'worthy of' usage for high-level appreciation.

不当な弾圧に耐え忍び、彼らはついに自由を勝ち取った。

Enduring and hiding from unjust oppression, they finally won their freedom.

Compound verb 'taeshinobu' (endure patiently/secretly).

その建築物は、美観と実用性の両立という難題に耐えている。

That building withstands the challenge of balancing beauty and practicality.

Abstract structural endurance.

その詩は、深淵な哲学を内包し、幾度もの通読に耐える深みがある。

The poem contains profound philosophy and has a depth that withstands multiple readings.

High-level literary criticism.

国家の命運を賭けた交渉において、彼は極限の緊張に耐え抜いた。

In negotiations where the fate of the nation was at stake, he endured extreme tension until the end.

Political/historical narrative context.

この理論は科学界のパラダイムシフトに耐え、今なお有効性を保っている。

This theory has withstood paradigm shifts in the scientific world and still maintains its validity.

Academic/scientific history context.

悲劇の連鎖に耐える民衆の強靭な精神が、復興の原動力となった。

The resilient spirit of the people, who endured a chain of tragedies, became the driving force for reconstruction.

Sociological/historical analysis.

言論の自由は、時に不快な言説に耐えることを我々に要求する。

Freedom of speech sometimes requires us to endure unpleasant discourse.

Legal/philosophical discourse.

彼の沈黙は、雄弁よりも雄弁に、その苦悩の深さに耐えていることを物語っていた。

His silence spoke more eloquently than words of how he was enduring the depth of his anguish.

Poetic/literary description of emotional state.

この古文書の紙質は、千年の湿気と虫害に耐えてきた驚異的なものだ。

The paper quality of this ancient document is phenomenal, having withstood a thousand years of humidity and insect damage.

Archival/scientific context.

真理の探究には、孤独と無理解に耐えうる強靭な意志が不可欠である。

In the search for truth, a resilient will capable of enduring loneliness and misunderstanding is indispensable.

Philosophical statement using 'taeuru'.

Collocations courantes

痛みに耐える

寒さに耐える

誘惑に耐える

地震に耐える

孤独に耐える

批判に耐える

重圧に耐える

見るに耐えない

時間に耐える

不況に耐える

Phrases Courantes

耐え難い (Taegatai)

— Something that is unbearable or intolerable. Often used for pain or smells.

耐え難い苦痛を感じる。

耐え忍ぶ (Taeshinobu)

— To endure something with patience and without showing one's feelings. Very stoic.

貧しさを耐え忍ぶ。

耐え抜く (Taenuku)

— To endure something completely until the end of the ordeal.

最後まで嵐を耐え抜いた。

見るに耐えない (Miru ni taenai)

— Unbearable to look at. Used for something pathetic or gruesome.

その惨状は見ているに耐えない。

聞くに耐えない (Kiku ni taenai)

— Unbearable to listen to. Used for insults or terrible music.

彼の悪口は聞くに耐えない。

使用に耐える (Shiyou ni taeru)

— Fit for use; can withstand being used.

まだ十分に実用に耐える。

鑑賞に耐える (Kanshou ni taeru)

— Worthy of appreciation; can stand up to critical viewing.

この絵は鑑賞に耐える名作だ。

批判に耐えうる (Hihan ni taeuru)

— Capable of withstanding criticism.

その理論は批判に耐えうる。

笑いに耐える (Warai ni taeru)

— To try not to laugh (though koraeru is more common here).

必死で笑いに耐えた。

重さに耐えかねる (Omosa ni taekaneru)

— Unable to bear the weight.

棚が本の重さに耐えかねている。

Souvent confondu avec

耐える vs 絶える (Taeru)

Means to cease, die out, or stop. Pronounced the same but written with a different kanji.

耐える vs 堪える (Koraeru)

Means to suppress an internal urge. Sometimes read as 'taeru' in specific contexts, but usually 'koraeru'.

耐える vs 肥える (Koeru)

Means to grow fat or to have a refined palate (mimi ga koeru). Sounds slightly similar to beginners.

Expressions idiomatiques

"見るに耐えない"

— So bad, cruel, or pathetic that one cannot stand to look at it.

彼の演技は見ているに耐えない。

Neutral

"聞くに耐えない"

— So offensive, foul, or poorly performed that one cannot stand to listen.

罵詈雑言の嵐は聞くに耐えない。

Formal

"読むに耐えない"

— So poorly written or nonsensical that it is impossible to read through.

この小説は読むに耐えないほどひどい。

Neutral

"使用に耐える"

— To be durable enough for practical use.

この古い車もまだ使用に耐える。

Neutral

"鑑賞に耐える"

— To possess a level of quality that makes it worth observing carefully.

この映画は二度の鑑賞に耐える。

Formal

"時の試練に耐える"

— To stand the test of time; to remain relevant or intact over many years.

真の芸術は時の試練に耐える。

Literary

"笑いを耐える"

— To suppress laughter in a serious situation.

厳粛な式典で笑いを耐えるのは辛かった。

Neutral

"涙に耐える"

— To hold back tears (less common than koraeru but used).

彼女は涙に耐えて笑顔を見せた。

Literary

"不運に耐える"

— To bear bad luck or misfortune with fortitude.

彼は黙って不運に耐え続けた。

Neutral

"批判に耐える"

— To remain firm despite being criticized by many.

政治家は厳しい批判に耐える必要がある。

Neutral

Facile à confondre

耐える vs 我慢する

Both mean 'to endure' or 'to be patient'.

Gaman is for daily patience; Taeru is for stronger, external pressure or structural resilience.

行列を我慢する (Wait in line) vs 地震に耐える (Withstand an earthquake).

耐える vs 辛歩する

Both involve patience.

Shinbou implies long-term patience for a future reward; Taeru is about withstanding current pressure.

修行を辛抱する (Endure training) vs 痛みに耐える (Endure pain).

耐える vs 凌ぐ

Both involve getting through a difficult situation.

Shinogu is about 'weathering' or 'getting by' a temporary hardship; Taeru is about the act of withstanding the force itself.

飢えを凌ぐ (Stave off hunger) vs 飢えに耐える (Endure hunger).

耐える vs 堪える

Can be read as 'taeru' and means 'to be worth'.

When read as 'taeru', it often overlaps with 耐える in the sense of 'worthy of', but 耐える is more common for physical endurance.

見るに堪える (Worth seeing).

耐える vs 忍ぶ

Both mean to endure.

Shinobu has a nuance of hiding oneself or one's feelings while enduring.

恥を忍ぶ (Endure shame silently).

Structures de phrases

[Noun] に耐える

暑さに耐える。

[Noun] に耐えられない

この音には耐えられない。

[Verb-Dictionary] に耐えない

見るに耐えない惨状。

[Noun] に耐え抜く

嵐に耐え抜く。

[Noun] に耐えうる [Noun]

批判に耐えうる理論。

[Noun] に耐えかねて [Verb]

重圧に耐えかねて辞職する。

[Noun] の試練に耐える

時代の試練に耐える名著。

[Noun] に耐え忍ぶ

不当な扱いに耐え忍ぶ。

Famille de mots

Noms

耐性 (Taisei) - Resistance/Tolerance

耐久 (Taikyuu) - Endurance/Durability

耐乏 (Taibou) - Enduring poverty/austerity

Verbes

耐え忍ぶ (Taeshinobu) - To endure patiently

耐え抜く (Taenuku) - To endure to the end

耐え兼ねる (Taekaneru) - To be unable to bear

Adjectifs

耐え難い (Taegatai) - Unbearable

耐久性のある (Taikyuusei no aru) - Durable

Apparenté

我慢 (Gaman)

忍耐 (Nintai)

辛抱 (Shinbou)

不屈 (Fukutsu)

根性 (Konjou)

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Comment l'utiliser

frequency

Highly frequent in news, sports, technical descriptions, and dramatic narratives.

Erreurs courantes

Using を instead of に → 痛みに耐える
In modern Japanese, the object of endurance is marked by 'ni'.
Confusing 耐える with 絶える → 家系が絶える (Lineage ceases)
These are homophones. 'Taeru' (endure) uses 耐, while 'Taeru' (cease) uses 絶.
Using 耐える for minor inconveniences → 行列で我慢する
'Taeru' sounds too dramatic for waiting in a short line at a store.
Incorrect potential form → 耐えられる
Since it's an Ichidan verb, the potential is 'taerareru', not 'taerureru'.
Misunderstanding 'miru ni taenai' → It means 'unbearable to look at' (negative).
Some learners think it means 'so good I can't look away,' but it's used for pathetic or gruesome things.

Astuces

Use the particle 'ni'

Always remember that the thing you are enduring is followed by 'ni'. Think of it as 'withstanding TO the pressure'.

Learn the compounds

Many useful words like 'taishin' (earthquake resistance) use the kanji for 'taeru'. Learning these will help you read technical documents.

Don't over-dramatize

Avoid using 'taeru' for small things like waiting for a friend. Use 'gaman suru' for those situations.

Watch the 'beard'

The left part of the kanji 耐 is 而. It looks like a beard. Imagine a bearded man patiently enduring a long winter.

Potential form is key

The negative potential 'taerarenai' is one of the most useful ways to express that you've reached your limit.

The Stoic Ideal

Using 'taeru' about yourself in a difficult situation can convey a sense of nobility and strength in Japanese culture.

Pitch Accent Matters

Remember that 'taeru' (to endure) has a flat pitch, while 'taeru' (to cease) starts high and drops.

Worthy of Scrutiny

In business or art, use '〜に耐える' to say a proposal or a work is solid and can stand up to questioning.

Compound Verbs

Using 'taenuku' or 'taeshinobu' adds flavor and specificity to your writing.

Inanimate usage

Don't forget you can use it for objects! A phone that doesn't break when dropped 'taeru' the impact.

Mémorise-le

Moyen mnémotechnique

Think of a person standing 'TAll' and 'Erect' under a 'RUf' (roof) during a storm. They are TA-E-RU-ing the pressure.

Association visuelle

Imagine an old Japanese bridge made of wood, bending under the weight of many people but not snapping. This is 'taeru'.

Word Web

Resilience Earthquake-proof Stoicism Gaman Hardship Pain Heat Time

Défi

Try to identify three things in your room that can 'taeru' a lot of weight, and three things that would break easily (cannot taeru).

Origine du mot

The kanji 耐 (taeru) is composed of two parts: 而 and 寸. 而 originally depicted a beard, while 寸 represented a hand or a measurement of rule. Historically, it related to a punishment involving the shaving of the beard, which the punished person had to endure.

Sens originel : To be able to endure punishment or to withstand a burden according to rules.

Sino-Japanese (Kango origin for the kanji, but used for the native Japanese verb 'taeru').

Contexte culturel

Be careful when telling someone to 'taeru' (耐えろ). It can sound dismissive of their suffering if they are in a truly toxic or dangerous situation.

In English, 'endure' often sounds very formal or poetic. In Japanese, 'taeru' is more common but still carries a sense of weight and seriousness compared to 'put up with'.

The phrase 'Taegataki o tae' (enduring the unendurable) from Emperor Hirohito's surrender speech in 1945. The concept of 'Nintai' (patience/endurance) in martial arts. The 'Oshin' TV drama, which popularized the image of a woman enduring immense hardship.

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

Physical Pain

痛みに耐える
注射に耐える
手術に耐える
激痛に耐える

Weather/Environment

猛暑に耐える
極寒に耐える
暴風雨に耐える
乾燥に耐える

Structural Integrity

地震に耐える
重圧に耐える
劣化に耐える
摩耗に耐える

Psychological State

孤独に耐える
不安に耐える
屈辱に耐える
ストレスに耐える

Value/Quality

鑑賞に耐える
批判に耐える
検証に耐える
再読に耐える

Amorces de conversation

"最近、耐えられないほど暑い日はありましたか？ (Have there been any unbearably hot days recently?)"

"あなたは痛みに耐えるのが強い方ですか？ (Are you the type who is good at enduring pain?)"

"仕事のストレスに耐えるために何をしていますか？ (What do you do to endure work stress?)"

"この建物が地震に耐えられるか心配ですか？ (Are you worried about whether this building can withstand an earthquake?)"

"今までで一番耐えるのが大変だったことは何ですか？ (What has been the hardest thing for you to endure so far?)"

Sujets d'écriture

今日、我慢したり耐えたりしたことを書いてください。 (Write about something you put up with or endured today.)

「耐えること」は常に良いことだと思いますか？ (Do you think 'enduring' is always a good thing?)

あなたが尊敬する「耐える力が強い人」について書いてください。 (Write about someone you respect who has a strong ability to endure.)

将来、どのような困難に耐える覚悟がありますか？ (What kind of difficulties are you prepared to endure in the future?)

「見るに耐えない」と思った最近の出来事やニュースは何ですか？ (What recent event or news did you find 'unbearable to watch'?)

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

While technically possible, 'koraeru' (堪える) is much more natural for suppressing internal physical urges like tears or laughter. 'Taeru' is better for withstanding the sadness itself.

'Taerarenai' sounds more intense and emotional, like the situation is physically or mentally crushing you. 'Gaman dekinai' is more common for losing your patience, like when someone is being annoying.

Yes, absolutely. It is the standard word for describing how a building or structure withstands an earthquake (jishin ni taeru) or wind (kaze ni taeru).

In modern Japanese, it almost always takes 'ni'. Using 'o' (e.g., kunan o taeru) is rare and sounds very literary or slightly archaic.

You use the compound 'tainetsu' (耐熱). The 'tai' part comes from the kanji for 'taeru'.

It is an Ichidan verb (Group 2). This means you just drop the 'ru' to conjugate it (taeraremasu, taenai, etc.).

It means 'unbearable to look at'. It is used when something is so tragic, gruesome, or poorly done that you want to look away.

Yes, in formal or literary contexts, it means 'to be able to withstand the scrutiny of'. For example, 'kanshou ni taeru' means 'worthy of appreciation'.

'Taenuku' is more emphatic. The '-nuku' suffix means 'to do something to the very end' or 'thoroughly'. So 'taenuku' means to endure through a whole ordeal successfully.

Yes, it is very common, especially in news, fiction, and discussions about resilience or quality.

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