Japanese grammar
What does ～に堪える mean? Japanese grammar N1
～に堪える means worthy of; deserving of (reading/listening).
| Level (estimated, JLPT framework) | N1 |
|---|---|
| Structure | V辞書形 + に堪える |
| Romaji | nitaeru |
| Meaning | worthy of; deserving of (reading/listening) |
Forming it
| Verb (read) | 読む + に堪える |
|---|---|
| Verb (appreciate) | 鑑賞する + に堪える |
How to use it
States that something has enough value to be watched/listened to/read. Only used with a few perception verbs. Literary.
- 「～に堪える」 = worth doing A, having enough value to be appreciated. Opposite of 「～に堪えない」 meaning (a).
- Only used with a few verbs: 読む・見る・聞く・鑑賞する.
- Often appears as a modifier: 「読むに堪える作品」.
Examples
この小説は大人の読書にも読むに堪える作品だ。
This novel is a work worth reading even for adults.
素人の作品だが、十分に鑑賞に堪える。
Though an amateur work, it’s well worth viewing.
Keep in mind
- Only with a few perception verbs.
- Opposite of 「に堪えない」 (a).
Common mistakes
-
Wrongこの仕事はするに堪える。
This work is worth watching.
Correctこの作品は見るに堪える。
Only used with PERCEPTION verbs (読む・見る・聞く・鑑賞する).
-
Wrongこの橋は強風に堪える。
This bridge can withstand strong winds.
Correctこの橋は強風に耐える。
Physically WITHSTANDING something uses 「耐える」; 「堪える」 means "worth doing…".
Exam tips
- 「に堪える」 = worth doing (read/watch/listen); physical endurance uses 「耐える」.