Word
Kana: こころえる Romaji: kokoroeru Level: N2

心得る

Meaning in English

to understand, to have thorough knowledge

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Dictionary

Word context

What it means

Direct definition: to know or be aware of something through knowledge or experience; to have the mind's understanding to handle a matter; commonly used in formal or literary contexts to indicate awareness or know-how.

Main meanings

  • To know or be aware of something; to understand the facts or situation
  • To have knowledge, familiarity, or skill in a field or task; to be versed
  • To have the practical know-how or readiness to act appropriately; to be prepared
  • In fixed expressions such as 心得がある, to have a knack or be proficient
  • In directives or manuals, 心得ておく expresses being mindful or prepared in advance

How to use it

Used primarily in formal, written, or literary contexts; less common in casual speech; used with the direct object marked by を or in compounds like 心得ておく to mean to be mindful or prepared. Typical patterns: 心得る + を/に; 心得ておく; 心得がある.

Variants and close terms

  • 覚える (oboeru) — to memorize, to learn
  • 知る (shiru) — to know
  • 理解する (rikai suru) — to understand
  • 心得がある (kokoro ga aru) — to have a knack or be adept

Composition

  • 心: mind, heart
  • 得: obtain, gain
  • る: verb ending

Etymology

心 (kokoro, mind) + 得る (eru, to obtain) combine to form an intransitive verb meaning to gain knowledge or awareness; this derivation is native Japanese and uses existing morphemes rather than a loanword.

Origin

Classical and early modern usage; attested in literature and administrative texts, with prominence in formal discourse.

Word class

Verb (ichidan)

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