How to Use できる to Express Abilities in Japanese

The Basics of できる in Japanese

The verb できる is commonly used in Japanese to express the ability to do something, similar to the English verb "can." Whether you're discussing skills, capabilities, or potential, できる is a crucial verb to know.

Forming Sentences with できる

できる follows a noun or a verb stem to indicate that something can be done. Here's how to use it in a sentence:
Noun + が + できる – This structure is used to express that something is possible.
Verb Stem + ことができる – This structure is often used for formal statements.

Conjugating できる

Like many verbs in Japanese, できる can be conjugated to fit different contexts and levels of politeness. The basic conjugations are as follows:

• Non-past: できる (can)
• Past: できた (could)
• Negative: できない (cannot)
• Past Negative: できなかった (could not)

Using できる with Different Verbs

When expressing ability in various activities, できる is combined with the stem of different verbs. Here are a few examples with translations:

Formal vs. Informal Usage

In casual conversation, Japanese speakers often shorten ことができる to just できる. In formal writing or speeches, however, it's better to use the full form ことができる to maintain a polite tone.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Understanding and using できる effectively will greatly enhance your ability to express abilities and possibilities in Japanese. Practice forming sentences to build your confidence in using this versatile verb.