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Worthy of; can withstand (evaluation/scrutiny)
Definition
The grammar pattern "V-辞書形 / N + に堪える" is used to indicate that an object has a high enough quality to withstand appreciation or critical examination. It suggests that the object is worthy of evaluation or scrutiny, and can hold up to it. This pattern is often used in contexts where the speaker is evaluating the quality or merit of something, such as a movie, a theory, or a work of art. The nuance of this pattern is that it implies a level of excellence or sophistication that is worthy of attention or consideration.
Structure
| Form | Pattern | Example |
|---|---|---|
| V-辞書形 | Verb stem + う | 見る (mi-ru) -> 見う (mi-u) |
| N + に堪える | Noun + に + 堪える | 映画 (eiga) + に + 堪える |
| V-辞書形 / N + に堪える | Verb stem + う / Noun + に + 堪える | 見る (mi-ru) + う / 映画 (eiga) + に + 堪える |
Examples
この映画は、大人の厳しい評価に堪える素晴らしい作品だ。
Kono eiga wa, otoko no kenkai ni kaneeru subarashii sakuhin da.
This movie is a wonderful work that can withstand the harsh evaluation of adults.
この映画は (this movie is) / 大人の厳しい評価 (adults' harsh evaluation) / に堪える (can withstand) / 素晴らしい作品 (wonderful work) / だ (is)
彼の理論は、学問的な評価に堪えないものではないことが判明した。
Kare no riron wa, gakumon-teki na hyōka ni kaneenai mono de wa nai koto ga hamari shita.
It was found that his theory is not something that cannot withstand academic evaluation.
彼の理論は (his theory is) / 学問的な評価 (academic evaluation) / に堪えない (cannot withstand) /ものではない (is not) / ことが判明した (was found)
古典文学の中には、数千年の時の評価に堪える傑作が数多く存在する。
Kokuteki bungaku no naka ni wa, sūsenen no toki no hyōka ni kaneeru meika ga sūtari ni sonzai suru.
There are many masterpieces that can withstand the evaluation of the times over thousands of years in classical literature.
古典文学の中には (in classical literature) / 数千年の時の評価 (evaluation over thousands of years) / に堪える (can withstand) / 傑作 (masterpiece) / が (that) / 数多く (many) / 存在する (exist)
Context
This pattern is used to express that something has a high level of quality or merit that can withstand evaluation or scrutiny. It is often used in formal or academic contexts. The negative form, に堪えない, is used to express that something cannot withstand evaluation or scrutiny.
Watch out
The two patterns are often confused due to their similar forms, but they have different meanings and uses.
The two patterns are often confused due to their similar forms, but they have different meanings and uses.
The two patterns are often confused due to their similar forms, but they have different meanings and uses.
Strategy
When using this pattern in the JLPT exam, make sure to use the correct form and context. Pay attention to the nuances of the pattern and use it to express the intended meaning.
In context
Worked examples drawn from JLPT N1 test-style questions. Each sentence shows V-辞書形 / N + に堪える used correctly, with a brief note on what the pattern is doing.
この映画は、大人の厳しい鑑賞に堪える素晴らしい作品だ。
Pattern used: 鑑賞に堪える
'鑑賞に堪える' means the quality is high enough to be appreciated even by a critical eye.
彼の理論は、学問的な批判に堪えるものではないことが判明した。
Pattern used: 批判に堪える
'批判に堪える' means it can hold up under critical scrutiny without falling apart.
古典文学の中には、数千年の時の試練に堪える傑作が数多く存在する。
Pattern used: 試練に堪える
'堪える' is used here to mean 'withstanding' or 'holding up against' the passage of time/trials.
Interactive
この映画は、大人の厳しい______素晴らしい作品だ。
Adaptive practice
Our adaptive engine will quiz you on this grammar pattern and track your progress toward mastery.