Noun + にたえる / に堪える

[Worth doing / Can withstand]

Connection: Noun + にたえる (に堪える)

Usage: Has two main meanings:

1. Worth doing: Indicates that something has sufficient quality to be worth the action. 「読むに堪える」(worth reading)
2. Can endure/withstand: Indicates ability to endure something. 「批判に堪える」(can withstand criticism)

Negative form: にたえない means "not worth doing" or "unbearable."

• 聞くに堪えない (not worth listening to; unbearable to hear)
• 感謝に堪えない (cannot contain one's gratitude — set phrase)

Examples:

この作品は鑑賞にたえる素晴らしい芸術だ。(This work is wonderful art worth appreciating.)

この建物は大地震にも堪える設計だ。(This building is designed to withstand even a major earthquake.)

見るにたえない光景が広がっていた。(A scene too horrible to watch spread before us.)