「乗れる(のれる、noreru)」is a verb that is classified as a「可能動詞 (かのうどうし、kanō dōshi、potential verb)」. It means “can get on” or “be able to get on.” 「乗る(のる、noru)」and「乗れる」are different verbs in Japanese. It also means “can ride” or “be able to ride.”
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Vocabulary Video
Before you learn the conjugations, please learn about the pronunciation of the verb in dictionary and polite forms.
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Dictionary Form/ます Form of a Potential Verb
As you know, English tenses are roughly divided into present, future, and past tenses. However, it is said that Japanese tenses consist only of “Past Tense” and “Non-Past Tense.” Therefore, we used “Dictionary Form,” not “Present Tense” in this heading.
Japanese people use two types of language. One is “non-honorific language” and the other is “honorific language.” When we focus on these languages, “dictionary” and “plain” forms are in “non-honorific language.” “Polite form” is in honorific language.
English Meaning: can get on/(will) be able to get on
| Positive | Conjugation | Romaji Reading |
| Dictionary & Plain Form | 乗れる | noreru |
| ます & Polite Form | 乗れます | noremasu |
「辞書形 (dictionary form)」is the original form. The technical term is for non-native Japanese speakers. Therefore, native Japanese usually do not know the word.「ます形 (ます form)」is the polite form of a dictionary form. The term is also for non-native Japanese speakers.
Example Sentences
We can almost ride the attraction.
もう少しでアトラクションに乗れる。(Plain Form)
もう少しでアトラクションに乗れます。(Polite Form)
I can get in/drive a new car from tomorrow.
明日から新しい車に乗れる。(Plain Form)
明日から新しい車に乗れます。(Polite Form)
By the way, translating it as “I can get in/drive a new car tomorrow.” is not the exact English translation. There is a reason we used “get in.” If you do not know the reason, please learn about it in our private lessons or mail support.
Sato-san can ride a roller coaster.
佐藤さんはジェットコースターに乗れる。(Plain Form)
佐藤さんはジェットコースターに乗れます。(Polite Form)
English Meaning: cannot get on/not be able to get on
| Negative | Conjugation | Romaji Reading |
| Plain Form | 乗れない | norenai |
| Polite Form | 乗れません | noremasen |
Example Sentences
I can’t ride the Ferris wheel because I have acrophobia.
高所恐怖症なので、観覧車は乗れない。(Plain Form)
高所恐怖症なので、観覧車は乗れません。(Polite Form)
We can’t get on the bus because it’s packed.
バスが満員で乗れない。(Plain Form)
バスが満員で乗れません。(Polite Form)
I can’t get on the 7 P.M. bus because the meeting was prolonged.
会議が長引いて１９時のバスに乗れない。(Plain Form)
会議が長引いて１９時のバスに乗れません。(Polite Form)
Conditional Form of a Potential Verb
Conditional form is「仮定形」in Japanese.
English Meaning: if (subject) can get on/be able to get on
| Positive | Conjugation | Romaji Reading |
| Plain Form | 乗れれば | norereba |
Example Sentences
If we can get a taxi, we’ll be on time for the meeting.
タクシーに乗れれば、会議に間に合うはずだ。(Plain Form)
タクシーに乗れれば、会議に間に合うはずです。(Polite Form)
If you can get on that bus, you can get to the hospital.
あのバスに乗れれば、病院まで行けるよ。(Spoken and Non-Honorific Language)
あのバスに乗れれば、病院まで行けますよ。(Spoken Language, Polite Form)
Imperative Form
「可能動詞 (potential verbs)」do not have an imperative form.
A Related Verb
「乗る(のる、noru)」is a verb related to「乗れる」. If you want to learn about it, please check out this page:
To Learn Correct Verb Conjugations
Japanese verb conjugation is too complicated and there are many learners who use it incorrectly. Therefore, we provide lessons and services where we teach and correct your Japanese daily. If you want to know more about the details, please check out our website.
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