堪える

こらえる · koraeru · JLPT N2 · verb-ichidan

to bear

堪 (kan) = endure + える verb ending; 堪える = to bear what weighs on you

堪える is written with 堪, a kanji meaning to bear or withstand. Kora- sounds like 'Cora-' as in a sturdy 'core', so hold your core steady and endure.

たえる · taeru · JLPT N1 · verb-ichidan

to endure

🪨 堪 = earth (土) + 甚 (extreme): ground that bears extreme load, so endure

堪 has 土 (earth) on its left, the ground that carries heavy loads. 堪える means to bear a load, pain, or hardship without giving way.

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