JLPT N4 grammar
ら抜き言葉 (ra-nuki) — Meaning & Examples
Dropping ら from Group 2 potential: たべられる → たべれる. Very common in casual speech, especially among younger speakers.
Spoken Shortcuts — ら抜き言葉
In modern spoken Japanese, Group 2 potential forms often drop the ら:
たべられる → たべれる (can eat)
みられる → みれる (can see)
でられる → でれる (can leave)
This is called ら抜き言葉 (ra-nuki kotoba) — "ra-dropping words." It's extremely common in casual speech, especially among younger people.
In writing and formal speech: use the full られる form.
In conversation: both are understood, ら-dropped is very natural.
Bonus — this also solves ambiguity:
たべられる could mean "can eat" OR "was eaten" (passive)
たべれる can ONLY mean "can eat" — clearer!
For JLPT N4, know both forms. The test uses the formal られる but listening sections may include ら-dropped.
Practice questions
Try this question on ら抜き言葉 (ra-nuki). Pick an answer in your head, then open “Show answer”.
1. What is ら抜き言葉?
- Dropping ら from potential
- Dropping ら from passive
- Adding ら to verbs
- A formal grammar rule
Show answer
Answer: Dropping ら from potential
ら抜き = dropping ら from Group 2 potential: たべられる → たべれる. Very common in casual speech.
Practise ら抜き言葉 (ra-nuki) in the free app
This point is part of the “Potential & Volitional Forms” lesson in A Star Japanese. Study it with examples, a quiz, flashcards and timed JLPT N4 mock exams. Free on iPhone and Android.
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Related N4 grammar points
From the same lesson: Potential & Volitional Forms
Frequently asked questions
What does ら抜き言葉 (ra-nuki) mean?
Dropping ら from Group 2 potential: たべられる → たべれる. Very common in casual speech, especially among younger speakers.
Is ら抜き言葉 (ra-nuki) on the JLPT N4 test?
ら抜き言葉 (ra-nuki) is taught in the JLPT N4 grammar course in A Star Japanese (lesson “Potential & Volitional Forms”), so it is a pattern learners at this level are expected to recognise. The JLPT does not publish an official grammar list, so treat this as a study guide rather than an official requirement.
How can I practise ら抜き言葉 (ra-nuki)?
Open the “Potential & Volitional Forms” lesson in the free A Star Japanese app for iPhone and Android. It has examples, a quiz after every lesson, flashcards with spaced repetition and timed JLPT N4 mock exams, with no ads.