# 得る（える / うる）: can; to be able to; is possible to ~

> Learn how to use 得る（える / うる）, a JLPT N2 Japanese grammar point meaning can, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.

JLPT level: N2 · Updated: 2026-05-02 · Canonical: https://hane-app.com/blog/n2-eru-uru/

**得る（える / うる）** means **can; to be able to; is possible to ~**. It is a **JLPT N2** Japanese grammar pattern used to express that something is logically or practically possible; within the realm of possibility.

This grammar point often appears in essays, formal writing, conversations, and JLPT N2 reading passages. If you want to express that something is logically or practically possible; within the realm of possibility, **得る（える / うる）** is a useful pattern to learn because it adds natural precision to your Japanese.

## What does 得る（える / うる） mean?

Use **得る（える / うる）** when you want to express that something is logically or practically possible; within the realm of possibility.

Natural translations include:
- can; to be able to; is possible to ~

The best translation depends on the sentence. Try to notice the writer's or speaker's purpose first, then choose the English phrase that fits that context.

## How to form 得る（える / うる）

Verb (ます-stem) + 得る（える）/ うる

Examples of the pattern:
- 考え得る
- 起こりうる

The form before the grammar point matters. In JLPT questions, the wrong answer choices often use a similar meaning but attach it to the wrong type of word.

## When is 得る（える / うる） used?

Use **得る（える / うる）** in situations like:
- stating that something is possible or conceivable
- expressing personal reactions, reasoning, or observations
- connecting ideas in formal and informal contexts

Tone and register:
- formal; うる is slightly more literary
- Common in test questions, essays, daily conversation, and JLPT N2 reading

## 得る（える / うる） example sentences

- 事故はいつでも起こりうる。
- 彼ならやり得る。
- その計画は成功し得る。
- 最悪の事態も考えうる。
- その可能性は十分にあり得る。

After reading each sentence, ask what job **得る（える / うる）** is doing: something is logically or practically possible; within the realm of possibility. That makes the nuance easier to remember than a one-word translation.

## Nuance of 得る（える / うる）

The key nuance is **something is logically or practically possible; within the realm of possibility**.

This matters because learners often translate advanced grammar too literally. A pattern may look simple, but it can signal the writer's attitude, the scope of a rule, or the relationship between two ideas.

For example:
- In context, it carries a specific, nuanced meaning that a simpler pattern would not convey.
- Compared with **ことができる**, it carries a different weight and implication.

## 得る（える / うる） vs ことができる

Both **得る（える / うる）** and **ことができる** can express related ideas, but they are different.

**得る（える / うる）**:
- something is logically or practically possible; within the realm of possibility

**ことができる**:
- can (standard)

Quick contrast examples:
- 起こりうる。
- 起こることができる。

If both translations seem possible, check the tone. Is the sentence casual, formal, written, explanatory, or emotional? The tone often tells you which grammar point is natural.

## Common mistakes with 得る（える / うる）

Watch out for these mistakes:
- Translating it too literally without understanding the nuance
- Using it in contexts where the situation doesn't match the grammar's core meaning
- Confusing it with similar-looking but different grammar patterns

A helpful practice method is to write one sentence with **得る（える / うる）**, then rewrite it with **ことができる**. If the meaning or tone changes, explain that difference in your own words.

## Is 得る（える / うる） on the JLPT?

Yes. **得る（える / うる）** is commonly taught as **JLPT N2** grammar.

That means learners should be able to:
- recognize it in reading
- understand its nuance in context
- use it in simple original sentences

For test preparation, study the grammar point in full sentences. JLPT questions often test whether you understand the surrounding context, not just the dictionary meaning.

## Practice questions for 得る（える / うる）

Try making your own sentences with these prompts:
- Use 得る（える / うる） in a sentence about a personal experience or observation.
- Write a sentence where the nuance of 得る（える / うる） is necessary.
- Compare 得る（える / うる） with ことができる in your own example.

Keep your first sentences simple. Once the structure feels natural, add more context so the nuance becomes clear.

## Learning path for 得る（える / うる）

To learn **得る（える / うる）** efficiently, start with its formation, then compare it with similar patterns, and finally practice in context.

1. First, make sure you can form **得る（える / うる）** without looking at the pattern chart.
2. Next, compare it with ことができる. These patterns are close enough that choosing between them helps you understand the nuance.
3. Finally, write sentences where **得る（える / うる）** is necessary; then check whether replacing it with one of the related patterns below changes the meaning.

## Related grammar to review next

- [得ない（えない）](/blog/n2-enai/) — because it is the direct negative counterpart
- [かねない](/blog/n2-kanenai/) — because it also deals with what might happen
- [どころではない](/blog/n2-dokoro-dewa-nai/) — because it also involves assessing possibility

## Learn 得る（える / うる） with Hane

If you want to review **得る（える / うる）** together with the related patterns above, Hane helps you practice Japanese in short, focused sessions.

Browse more lessons here:
- [All grammar lessons](/blog/)
- [JLPT N2 grammar lessons](/blog/n2/)