〜得る / 〜得ない
Formation
N2SuppositionFormal/StiffAcademicNews
Variations
える
うる
えない
Meaning
Indicates that something is theoretically or objectively possible or impossible.
Note
A formal expression used in writing and formal speech. It refers to theoretical or situational possibility, not personal ability or permission. The affirmative form '得る' can be read as either 'eru' or 'uru', while the negative '得ない' is always 'enai'.
Examples
それは十分にあり得ることだ。
That is something that could well happen.
事故はいつでもどこでも起こりうる。
Accidents can happen anytime, anywhere.
この計画にはミスが入り込む可能性も考えうる。
We can also consider the possibility of errors creep into this plan.
そんなことはあり得ない。
That is simply impossible.
信じがたいことだが、起こり得ない話ではない。
It is hard to believe, but it's not an impossible story.
彼が犯人だとは、到底考え得ない。
It is absolutely unthinkable that he could be the culprit.