得る

• Reading: うる
• Romaji: uru
• Kanji breakdown: 得 (toku/e/u) — gain, obtain, benefit
• Pronunciation: /ɯ.ɾɯ/

Meaning

To get; to gain; to obtain; to win. Also used as a suffix meaning 'can' or 'possible.'

A Group 2 (ichidan/shimo-nidan) verb with two readings: える (eru) as a standalone verb meaning 'to obtain,' and うる (uru) as a suffix meaning 'possible' or 'conceivable' (e.g., ありうる, can happen). The える reading is more common in modern speech, while うる appears in formal or literary contexts and set phrases like 知りうる限り (as far as one can know).

Examples

1. 努力して良い結果を得ることができた。 Through hard work, I was able to achieve good results.
2. そんなことはありうる話だ。 That's a perfectly plausible story.
3. この経験から多くの知識を得た。 I gained a lot of knowledge from this experience.

Usage Guide

Context: formal writing, academic, daily conversation

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

The kanji 得 combines 彳 (step forward) and 寸 (hand/measure) with 旦 (dawn), originally depicting the act of acquiring something by reaching out. An ancient character reflecting the universal human desire to gain or obtain.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal