得る
eru[e̞ɾɯ̟]
To get in Japanese is expressed as 得る (eru). Wiktionary also lists 手に入れる (te ni ireru) and 入手する (nyuushu suru).
Meaning: to obtain (verb)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 得る | eru | [e̞ɾɯ̟] (narrow) |
| 手に入れる | te ni ireru | [te̞ ɲ̟i iɾe̞ɾɯ̟] (narrow) |
| 入手する | nyuushu suru | |
| 獲得する | kakutoku suru |
The various forms of Japanese for 'to get' differ based on whether the object being obtained is physical or abstract, and the level of formality required.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase 手に入れる literally means 'to put into one's hand'.
Which one should you use?
得る is more abstract and is often used for intangible things such as permission, knowledge or a job. In contrast, 手に入れる is used for more physical and concrete objects.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The formality of your choice depends on the context: 得る and 獲得する are formal, where 得る means 'to gain' and 獲得する means 'to acquire' through effort (like winning a prize). For informal situations, you might use ゲットする to mean 'to get' or もらう to mean 'to receive'.
How do you pronounce it?
eru
Did you know?
- If you use the verb 手に入れる (te ni ireru) to describe getting a person, it can sound as if you are capturing or snatching them, rather than just meeting them.
- The word 得る can function as an auxiliary verb meaning 'it is possible to', which is a completely different use than 'to obtain'.
- In traditional Japanese theater and formal literature, 得る was used to express the attainment of spiritual enlightenment.
Examples in context
- 欲しいものは手に入れる。I get what I want.This sentence shows how to use 手に入れる to express getting something one wants.Tatoeba #10974497 by small_snow, translation #3374663 by CK
- 僕らは食料を手に入れる必要がある。We need to get some food.This sentence uses 手に入れる to describe the necessity of getting food.Tatoeba #8021116 by Ninja, translation #8018138 by CK
- この国で職を得るのは難しいですよ。It's hard to get a job in this country.This sentence uses 得る to describe the difficulty of getting a job.Tatoeba #12476194 by bunbuku, translation #5988096 by mailohilohi
- 彼は新しい車を手に入れました。 (Kare wa atarashii kuruma o teniiremashita.)He got a new car.
- 契約を獲得するために一生懸命働きました。 (Keiyaku o kakutoku suru tame ni isshokenmei hatarakimashita.)I worked hard to get the contract.
- 友達から新しいスマートフォンをもらったよ。 (Tomodachi kara atarashii sumātofon o moratta yo.)I got a new smartphone from my friend.
- ゲームの景品を手に入れた！ (Gēmu no keihin o teniireta!)I got the prize from the game!
- 21 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two students are discussing a certification exam.
- 大翔 Hirotoこの資格を得るために勉強しています。Kono shikaku o eru tame ni benkyō shite imasu.I am studying to get this certification.
- 陽葵 Himari大翔さんは、本当に努力家ですね。Daito-san wa, hontō ni doryokuka desu ne.You are a real hard worker, Daito.
- 大翔 Hiroto陽葵さんは、もう合格しましたか？Himari-san wa, mō gōkaku shimashita ka?Himari, have you already passed?
- 陽葵 Himariはい、先月に資格を得ました。Hai, sengetsu ni shikaku o emashita.Yes, I got the certification last month.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “get” translations and entries 得る, 手に入れる, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
