How to say "attain" in Japanese
Choosing the right word
- 至るいたるgodan verb, intransitive verbCovers attaining a stage, point, or decision: reaching it after some process, as in arriving at a conclusion. The focus is on coming to that point rather than on gaining an object.
- godan verb, intransitive verbMeans to become, get, or grow — a change of state rather than an attainment. It matches 'attain' only loosely and is seldom the word you want for it; usually written in kana alone.
- 得るえるichidan verb, transitive verbCovers attaining in the sense of getting, earning, or acquiring something, such as knowledge, skill, or a desired result; a common, versatile choice for this meaning of 'attain'.
- 勝ち得るかちえるichidan verb, transitive verbCovers attaining something by winning it: gaining or achieving something through effort, struggle, or competition, such as rights, freedom, or recognition. The nuance is of a hard-won gain.
- 得るうるnidan verb (archaic), transitive verbThe うる reading of 得る: a formal or literary way to say get, acquire, or obtain, suited to formal writing rather than casual speech.
Use 「至る」 for reaching a stage or decision, 「なる」 for becoming, 「得る」 for getting or acquiring something, 「勝ち得る」 for winning something through effort, and the うる reading of 「得る」 in formal or literary style.
Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only
Japanese equivalents
See also
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