れる

auxiliary verb, ichidan verb

potential form

Expresses ability or possibility. In modern Japanese, godan verbs use the potential form (e.g., 書ける) rather than ～れる; ～れる for potential is archaic or dialectal for godan verbs. Ichidan verbs and kuru use ～られる. No imperative form.

See also: 可能動詞 (かのうどうし)

• この魚さかなは生なまで食たべられる。

  This fish can be eaten raw.

• 彼かれは英えい語ごが話はなせます。

  He can speak English. (Note: godan verb 話す uses potential form 話せる, not 話される)

auxiliary verb, ichidan verb

spontaneous occurrence

Indicates that something happens naturally or without the subject's volition, often used with verbs of thinking or feeling. No imperative form.

• 故ふる郷さとのことが思おもい出だされる。

  I am reminded of my hometown (it comes to mind spontaneously).

auxiliary verb, ichidan verb

honorific (sonkeigo)

Used to show respect for the subject of the action. Common in formal speech. No imperative form.

• 社しゃ長ちょうが会かい議ぎに出しゅっ席せきされます。

  The company president will attend the meeting. (honorific)