This means something is good enough for an action. It can handle being watched or used. It is worthy of attention.
Noun + に堪えるPrimary
Verb [dictionary form] + に堪える
This means something is good enough for an action. It can handle being watched or used. It is worthy of attention.
この映画は映像美だけでも見るに堪える。
This movie is worth watching for its beautiful cinematography alone.
この絵画は専門家の鑑賞にも十分に堪える作品だ。
This painting is a work that is fully worthy of appreciation even by experts.
彼の議論は論理的で、傾聴に堪えるものだった。
His argument was logical and was worthy of being listened to carefully.
彼の書いた小説は、正直言って、読書に堪えるものではなかった。
The novel he wrote, frankly, was not something worthy of being read.
これは後世の評価に堪える建築だろうか。
I wonder if this is architecture that will be worthy of the evaluation of future generations.
This phrase shows something is very good. It is like saying it can pass any test. It is a bit formal. It is stronger than just saying 'it is worth it'.
This is different from "〜に足る" (ni taru). "〜に足る" means something is simply good enough. "〜に堪える" means something is good enough to handle strong actions. It can stand up to being watched closely or judged.
Don't use this when talking about everyday actions. For example, you wouldn't say "This food is worthy of eating" in a normal way. You use it for things you look at, listen to, or judge carefully. It often comes after words like "appreciation" or "criticism."
Often confused with(2)
Contrasts with(1)
More formal alternatives(1)
Less formal alternatives(1)
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