Translation guide
How to express that something is obtained, acquired, or becomes available in Japanese, depending on whether it is a physical object, information, a result, or an abstract thing.
To say that something is obtained or acquired in a neutral or formal context.
The passive/potential form of 得る (to get/obtain). It is the most direct and neutral way to say 'can be obtained' or 'is obtained'. Suitable for both concrete and abstract things.
必要な情報はインターネットで得られる。
The necessary information can be obtained on the internet.
This medicine cannot be obtained without a prescription.
Literally 'can be obtained' or 'available'. Often used for physical items, documents, or tickets. Slightly more concrete than 得られる.
チケットはオンラインで入手できます。
Tickets can be obtained online.
この本は絶版で入手が難しい。
This book is out of print and hard to obtain.
A common, slightly casual expression meaning 'to come into one's hands' or 'to be obtainable'. Used for things you can get or acquire, often with a nuance of effort or luck.
この限定品はなかなか手に入らない。
This limited edition item is quite hard to obtain.
やっと欲しかった本が手に入った。
I finally obtained the book I wanted.
To express that information, data, or results are obtained, often through research or inquiry.
Same as above, but particularly natural for abstract results, knowledge, or data.
実験から興味深い結果が得られた。
Interesting results were obtained from the experiment.
Often used for acquiring data, qualifications, or rights. More formal and technical than 得られる.
データはAPIを通じて取得できます。
Data can be obtained through the API.
To express that something becomes available or is produced as a result.
Still works here, but often replaced by more specific verbs depending on context.
この方法で純度の高い製品が得られる。
A high-purity product can be obtained by this method.
Means 'to arise' or 'to be produced'. Used when something is obtained as a natural result or byproduct.
この反応で水素が生じる。
Hydrogen is obtained (produced) in this reaction.
To express 'is obtained' in highly formal, technical, or legal writing.
Still the standard choice. In patents, 得られる is very common.
本発明により、高強度の材料が得られる。
According to the present invention, a high-strength material is obtained.
Passive form of 取得する, used in very formal contexts like legal documents or official procedures.
許可は申請により取得される。
Permission is obtained by application.
English often uses 'be obtained' in passive constructions that sound unnatural if directly translated into Japanese. In many cases, it's better to use active phrasing or a different verb that matches the context (e.g., 手に入る for personal acquisition, 得られる for general availability).
得られる is more formal and abstract; it can be used for information, results, and general availability. 手に入る is more concrete and often implies personal effort or luck in acquiring a physical item. 入手できる is similar to 手に入る but slightly more formal and often used in commercial or official contexts.
必要な情報はオンラインで得られます。
The necessary information can be obtained online.
チケットは窓口で入手できます。
Tickets can be obtained at the counter.
この珍しい本はなかなか手に入らない。
This rare book is hard to obtain.