Japanese

てる

もてる
Meaning: to be popular (especially with the opposite sex); to be well-liked
Part of Speech: Verb

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Verb inflections

Form Affirmative Negative
Present 持てる 持てない
Polite 持てます 持てません
Past 持てた 持てなかった
Polite + Past 持てました 持てませんでした
Te-form 持てて 持てなくて
Potential 持てられる 持てられない
Passive 持てられる 持てられない
Causative 持てさせる 持てさせない
Imperative 持てろ 持てるな

Handwriting

持
て
る

Example sentences

Since he is kind and good at sports, he is very popular with women.
彼は丁寧な物言いをするので、好感が持てる。
He has a polite way of speaking, so he leaves a good impression.
彼の話し方はとても丁寧で、好感が持てる。
His way of speaking is very polite and makes a good impression.

Usage Notes

While it can be the potential form of 'motsu' (to hold/have), as an independent verb it most commonly means being popular or attractive to others.

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