()える

なえる
ichidan verb
to wilt; to lose energy; to go limp
1. to wilt; to wither
For plants to droop or lose freshness due to lack of water or heat.
(あつ)さで(はな)()えてしまった。
The flowers wilted from the heat.
2. to lose energy; to become dispirited
To lose motivation, enthusiasm, or energy, often due to disappointment or exhaustion.
(かれ)態度(たいど)にやる()()えた。
His attitude made me lose my motivation.
3. to go limp; to lose strength
For body parts to become weak or lose their power.
衝撃(しょうげき)(あし)()えて(うご)けなかった。
My legs went weak from the shock and I couldn't move.

VERB TYPE:
自動詞(じどうし) (intransitive verb)

CONJUGATION:

Ichidan verb (一段動詞(いちだんどうし)/下一段(しもいちだん))

  • ()えない (negative)
  • ()えて (te-form)
  • ()えた (past)

COMMON PATTERNS:

  • やる()()える - to lose motivation
  • 気持(きも)ちが()える - to become dispirited
  • (あし)()える - legs go weak
  • ()()える - hands go limp

RELATED WORDS:

  • しおれる - to wilt (mainly for plants)
  • 萎縮(いしゅく)する - to shrink, to atrophy
  • (おとろ)える - to weaken, decline

USAGE NOTES:
In casual speech, often used to express disappointment or loss of enthusiasm, similar to English "that killed my vibe" or "I lost steam."