N2 · Structured courses

～Uru / Enai: Can Possibly / Cannot Possibly

Learn uru/enai for possibility — "can possibly" or "cannot possibly." Formal, written. This lesson combines form, context, examples, common mistakes, and practice so you can use the pattern in real communication.

12 minNihongo Hub Editorial TeamPublished 2026-06-06Updated 2026-06-06

Learning objectives

  • Lesson goals: Learn uru/enai for possibility — "can possibly" or "cannot possibly." Formal, written.
  • Form and connection: [Verb masu-stem] 得うる / 得えない
  • Nuance in real use: 得る/得ない marks an academic-level judgment of possibility — not just "can" or "can't" but "logically possible/impossible." This rigor is a hallmark of Japanese academic writing.

Form and connection

[Verb masu-stem] 得うる / 得えない

Core Explanation

Learn uru/enai for possibility — "can possibly" or "cannot possibly." Formal, written.

Cultural Note

得る/得ない marks an academic-level judgment of possibility — not just "can" or "can't" but "logically possible/impossible." This rigor is a hallmark of Japanese academic writing.

Practical examples

We discuss in advance what problems could possibly arise.
That's impossible.
It's a very plausible story.

Common pitfalls

Build the base form before adding the pattern

Complete the required conjugation first. Do not keep polite and plain endings at the same time.

Match politeness to the situation

The examples are reliable starting points; relationships and context can still change the most natural wording.

Practice and answers

1. Write the connection formula for this lesson.
Show answer[Verb masu-stem] 得うる / 得えない
2. Explain the meaning of the first example.
Show answerWe discuss in advance what problems could possibly arise.
3. Rewrite the final example using this lesson pattern.
Show answer十分じゅうぶんにあり得うる話はなしだ。 ([Verb masu-stem] 得うる / 得えない)

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