Japanese

える

みがまえる
Meaning: to brace oneself; to put oneself on guard; to take a stance
Part of Speech: Verb

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Verb inflections

Form Affirmative Negative
Present 身構える 身構えない
Polite 身構えます 身構えません
Past 身構えた 身構えなかった
Polite + Past 身構えました 身構えませんでした
Te-form 身構えて 身構えなくて
Potential 身構えられる 身構えられない
Passive 身構えられる 身構えられない
Causative 身構えさせる 身構えさせない
Imperative 身構えろ 身構えるな

Handwriting

身
構
え
る

Example

When I heard a noise from the darkness, I instinctively braced myself.

Usage Notes

Describes taking a physical or mental posture of readiness or caution against potential danger or a sudden event.

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