Explore 得 in the words 得る and 得意. Learn the reading and meaning of each complete word in context.

The idea

Kanji may have Japanese-origin and Chinese-origin readings; learn each with its word. Compare 得る（える） and 得意（とくい）. 得 has 11 strokes; follow their order in the linked KanjiVG diagram.

Patterns to compare
Japanese wordReadingMeaning
得るえるto obtain; to gain
得意とくいone’s strength; being good at
納得なっとくunderstanding and acceptance

Examples

  • 仕事しごとを通とおじて経験けいけんを得えました。I gained experience through work.
  • 情報じょうほうを得えるために図書館としょかんへ行いきました。I went to the library to obtain information.
  • 私わたしは料理りょうりが得意とくいです。I am good at cooking.
  • 妹いもうとは数学すうがくが得意とくいです。My younger sister is good at maths.
  • 説明せつめいを聞きいて納得なっとくしました。I understood and accepted it after hearing the explanation.
  • その結果けっかに納得なっとくできませんでした。I could not accept that result.

Read-aloud uses a synthetic Japanese voice available on your device. Voice quality and availability vary; it does not assess your pronunciation.

Watch out

得る can be read える or うる; 得意 means being good at something, not acquiring it. Compare the components: 得：彳＋旦＋寸／待：彳＋寺。

Try it yourself

  1. Write the reading of 得る in hiragana.

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    える / うる

    得る is read える / うる; it means to obtain; to gain. Learn the reading as part of this word.

  2. Write the reading of 得意 in hiragana.

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    とくい

    得意 is read とくい; it means one’s strength; being good at. Learn the reading as part of this word.

  3. Fill in the missing kanji: 納＿（なっとく）.

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    得

    得 completes 納得, read なっとく; the word means understanding and acceptance.

Use it today

Cover the table, write 得 from memory, and read 得る and 得意 aloud. Then check the readings and meanings.