〜うる・える・えない

Can; Possible / Cannot; Impossible

1. Overview

「〜うる」 and its variations「〜える」 and 「〜えない」 are grammatical structures used to indicate the possibility or impossibility of something happening. They are often used in formal contexts to express whether something is achievable or within the realm of possibility.

2. Structure

• Verb (ます stem) + うる / える: Can; possible
• Verb (ます stem) + えない: Cannot; impossible

3. Usage Explanation

• Indicating Possibility:
  「〜うる」 and 「〜える」 are used to express that an action or situation is possible, meaning that something can happen or be done. It is often translated as "can" or "is possible to."

• Indicating Impossibility:
  「〜えない」 expresses the impossibility of an action or situation, meaning that something cannot happen or be done. It is translated as "cannot" or "is not possible to."

• English Translation:
  「〜うる/える」 can be translated as "can" or "be able to," while 「〜えない」 is "cannot" or "impossible to."

4. Example Sentences

1. その問題は予想しうる結果だった。
   That problem was an outcome we could have predicted.

2. 彼の提案はありえる話だ。
   His proposal is something that could be possible.

3. そんなことが起こりうるとは思えない。
   I can't believe that such a thing could happen.

4. 彼の言葉は信じえない。
   His words are impossible to believe.

5. このプロジェクトは成功しうる可能性がある。
   There is a possibility that this project can succeed.

5. Key Points

• Formality:
  「〜うる」 and 「〜える」 are more formal and often used in written or professional contexts.

• Usage Nuance:
  While both 「〜うる」 and 「〜える」 are used interchangeably, 「〜える」 tends to be more commonly used in spoken language. On the other hand, 「〜うる」 has a more literary or formal tone.

6. Similar Grammar

• 〜ことができる: Directly expresses the ability to do something, more commonly used in daily conversations.
  • Example: 彼はこの問題を解決することができる。
    He can solve this problem.

7. Alternative Grammar

• 〜可能性がある: Used to express the possibility of something happening, but more neutrally or indirectly.
  • Example: 雨が降る可能性がある。
    There is a possibility that it will rain.

8. Summary

「〜うる / える / えない」 are structures used to express the possibility or impossibility of something happening. They are formal in tone and are often used in written and professional contexts. They are a useful way to convey potential outcomes or limitations regarding actions or situations.