能う

• Reading: あたう
• Romaji: atau
• Kanji breakdown: 能 (nō/ata) — ability, talent, skill
• Pronunciation: /a.ta.ɯ/

Meaning

To be able to do; to be capable of doing. A literary verb expressing ability or possibility.

A Group 1 (godan) intransitive verb that is archaic and highly literary. In modern Japanese it survives primarily in the set phrase 能う限り (as much as possible) and the negative form 能わない (unable to). Rarely used in casual speech but appears in formal writing and literature.

Examples

1. 能う限りの努力をした結果、合格できた。 As a result of putting in every effort I could, I was able to pass.
2. その美しさは言葉では表し能わない。 That beauty cannot be expressed in words.
3. 能うならばもう一度やり直したい。 If it were possible, I would like to start over.

Usage Guide

Context: literature, formal writing, set phrases

Tone: literary

Origin & History

From Classical Japanese, where 能ふ was a common verb meaning to be capable. The kanji 能 depicts a bear (representing strength and skill) and has deep roots in Chinese philosophy regarding innate talent and ability.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: Adults

Social background: Educated