Japanese

える

いえる
Meaning: to be able to say; to have a point; to be true
Part of Speech: Verb

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Verb inflections

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

Handwriting

言
え
る

Example sentences

Certainly, you have a point.
それはある意味、正しい判断だったと言える。
In a sense, it could be said that it was a correct judgment.
彼は非常に慎重だが、逆に言えば、決断を下すのが遅いとも言える。
He is very cautious, but conversely, it could be said that he is slow to make decisions.
誰にも言えない悩み事を抱えている。
I have worries that I can't tell anyone.
太陽エネルギーは無尽蔵な資源だと言える。
Solar energy can be said to be an inexhaustible resource.
彼はまさに「不屈の精神」の体現者と言えるだろう。
He could be called the very embodiment of 'indomitable spirit'.
彼女はまさに佳人と言えるだろう
She could truly be called a beautiful woman.
彼の作戦は神算鬼謀と言える。
His strategy can be described as ingenious.
独裁者の行った行為は、まさに焚書坑儒と言えるものだった
The dictator's actions were truly a case of burning books and burying scholars (suppressing speech and thought).
彼は母を亡くしてから、哀毀骨立と言えるほどに痩せ細ってしまった。
He has become so emaciated since his mother's death that he is literally skin and bones.

Usage Notes

A potential form of 'iu' (to say), but often used as an idiom meaning 'That's true' or 'You've got a point'.

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