得るeru uru“can; to be able to; is possible to”

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 ~

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

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

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。 — Accidents can happen at any time.
• 彼ならやり得る。 — If it’s him, he could pull it off.
• その計画は成功し得る。 — That plan could succeed.
• 最悪の事態も考えうる。 — The worst-case scenario is also conceivable.
• その可能性は十分にあり得る。 — That is entirely possible.

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.

Nuance of 得る（える / うる）

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

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。

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

Practice questions for 得る（える / うる）

• 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.

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.
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） — because it is the direct negative counterpart
• かねない — because it also deals with what might happen
• どころではない — 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.

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