GrammarN12 min read2026-02-17

〜に足りる/に足る

Express that something has enough value or merit to be worthy of a particular action or quality.

Meaning

This pattern expresses an evaluation: something has sufficient value to warrant a particular action, or a person/thing fully meets a certain standard. Words commonly used with this pattern include 「信頼」 (trust), 「満足」 (satisfaction), and 「推薦する」 (recommend).

Formation

Part of speechFormation
Verb (dictionary form)に足りる/に足る
Nounに足りる/に足る

Examples

  1. 新しい内閣に入閣した総務大臣は、実績に足る人物だ。
    The Minister of Internal Affairs who joined the new cabinet is a person whose track record speaks for itself.

  2. 彼の今大会のタイムを見ても、まだ日本代表として選出するに足る成績ではない。
    Even looking at his times in this competition, his results are not yet good enough to warrant selection for the Japanese national team.

  3. バンドのメンバーは人生を語るに足る、苦楽をともにしてきた大切な仲間たちです。
    The band members are cherished companions who have shared my joys and sorrows -- people truly worthy of discussing life with.

Summary

  • 「〜に足りる/に足る」 means "worthy of; sufficient to"
  • Attaches to Verbs (dictionary form) and Nouns

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