Japanese word

こらえる

Pronunciation

Romajikoraeru

Meaning

  • verbendure

Example

痛みをこらえます。ita mi o ko ra e ma su

I endure the pain.

Illustration for こらえる (endure)

More examples

人前で笑いをこらえました。hito mae de wara i o ko ra e ma shi ta

I held back my laughter in front of everyone.

Core concept

Means staying steady under something painful or difficult and preventing an inner feeling or outward reaction from emerging.

Common phrases

  • 怒りをこらえるika ri o ko ra e ru

    hold back anger

  • 痛みをこらえるita mi o ko ra e ru

    endure pain

  • 笑いをこらえるwara i o ko ra e ru

    hold back laughter

  • 涙をこらえるnamida o ko ra e ru

    hold back tears

Similar words

耐えるtaeru: To bear pain, hardship, or pressure without stopping or giving way.
我慢するgamansuru: To tolerate an unpleasant situation or resist an urge for a period of time.
抑えるosaeru: To prevent an emotion or physical reaction from appearing openly.

Definition in Japanese

つらさや困難に耐えて、状態を保つ。また、涙や笑いなどが表に出るのを抑える。tsu ra sa ya kon nan ni ta e te jō tai o tamo tsu ma ta namida ya wara i na do ga hyō ni de ru no o osa e ru

Word origin

The native Japanese verb こらえる (koraeru) developed from こらふ (korafu), an older verb meaning to bear or hold back.

Usage tips

  • The negative potential form こらえられない (koraerarenai) is common in conversation when continuing is impossible.

Other meanings

  • hold backverb

Opposites

  • あきらめるakiramerugive upverb

Related words

  • こらえ方koraekataway of enduringnoun
  • こらえ性koraeshōpatiencenoun

Word lists with this word