()える

たえる
verb (ichidan)
to endure, to bear, to withstand
自動詞 intransitiveemotionaction
See also: ()える (cease, die out)
Conjugation
AffirmativeNegative
Present()える()えない
Present polite()えます()えません
Past()えた()えなかった
Past polite()えました()えませんでした
て form()えて()えなくて
ている present()えている()えていない
ている polite()えています()えていません
ている past()えていた()えていなかった
ている past polite()えていました()えていませんでした
Conditional ば()えれば()えなければ
Conditional たら()えたら()えなかったら
Volitional()えよう
Volitional polite()えましょう
Potential()えられる()えられない
Passive()えられる()えられない
Causative()えさせる()えさせない
Imperative()えろ()えるな
1. to endure, to bear, to put up with
To patiently withstand pain, hardship, or difficult conditions without giving in. Used for both physical and emotional endurance.
(いた)()える。
Endure the pain.
I kept working while enduring the cold.
He endured a long battle with illness and was finally able to leave the hospital.
2. to withstand, to resist, to hold up against
To be strong or durable enough to resist physical force, pressure, or harsh conditions. Often used for materials, structures, and equipment.
This building can withstand earthquakes.
We need a material that can withstand high temperatures.
This bridge is designed to withstand the weight of large trucks.

Usage

The particle marks what is being endured: ~()える. Sense 1 (human endurance) and sense 2 (physical resistance) share this pattern but differ in subject — sense 1 typically has a person, sense 2 typically has a thing.

Common collocations

Similar words

()える emphasizes stoic endurance or physical resistance. 我慢(がまん)する (to put up with) is more colloquial and implies suppressing complaints or desires. (こら)える is close in meaning but often emphasizes holding back emotions or tears.