Translation guide
The English word "bear" has two main meanings: the animal and the verb meaning to carry, endure, or give birth. This guide covers both, organized by meaning.
Referring to the large mammal.
The standard word for bear. Used in all contexts.
山で熊を見ました。
I saw a bear in the mountains.
To carry something, often with effort, or to bring something to a place.
General verb for carrying or transporting something.
彼は重い箱を運んだ。
He carried a heavy box.
To bring something (to the speaker's location).
To take something (away from the speaker).
To endure something unpleasant or tolerate a situation.
To endure, withstand, or bear something difficult.
彼は痛みに耐えた。
He bore the pain.
To be patient, put up with, or bear something. Often used for personal endurance.
もう我慢できない。
I can't bear it anymore.
A more literary or formal way to say endure. Often used in written language.
その光景は見るに堪えない。
The sight is unbearable.
To support the weight of something.
To support or hold up weight physically or metaphorically.
この柱が屋根を支えている。
This pillar bears the roof.
To give birth to a child.
To give birth. Used for humans and animals.
彼女は元気な男の子を産んだ。
She bore a healthy baby boy.
More formal term for giving birth.
彼女は病院で出産した。
She gave birth at the hospital.
To produce fruit or results.
Literally 'to bear fruit', also used metaphorically for efforts bearing fruit.
彼の努力が実を結んだ。
His efforts bore fruit.
To hold a feeling such as a grudge or love.
To bear a grudge. Literally 'to hold a grudge'.
彼は私に恨みを抱いている。
He bears a grudge against me.
To bear love or affection for someone.
彼女は彼に深い愛情を抱いている。
She bears deep affection for him.
English 'I can't bear it' is often expressed as 我慢できない (gaman dekinai) or 耐えられない (taerarenai). Avoid literal translations like 熊できない.
運ぶ (hakobu) focuses on the action of carrying/transporting, while 持ってくる (motte kuru) and 持っていく (motte iku) specify direction relative to the speaker.
この暑さには耐えられない。
I can't bear this heat.
コーヒーを持ってきてください。
Please bring me some coffee.
I'll take an umbrella.