値する

• Reading: あたいする
• Romaji: atai suru
• Kanji breakdown: 値 (chi/atai) — value, price, worth
• Pronunciation: /a.ta.i.sɯ.ɾɯ/

Meaning

To be worth; to be worthy of; to deserve. Indicates something merits a particular evaluation or response.

A する compound verb (サ変) that is always intransitive. Takes the particle に before it to mark what something is worthy of. Common in written and formal Japanese, particularly in reviews, evaluations, and academic writing. Often paired with words like 称賛, 注目, 評価.

Examples

1. この作品は高い評価に値する。 This work deserves high praise.
2. 彼の勇気ある行動は称賛に値した。 His courageous action was worthy of admiration.
3. 議論に値しない些細な問題だ。 It's a trivial matter not worth arguing about.

Usage Guide

Context: academic, reviews, formal writing

Tone: evaluative

Origin & History

Combines 値 (value, price) with する (to do). The kanji 値 originally referred to monetary worth but extended to abstract value and merit in Classical Japanese.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Professional