Japanese Verb Potential Form

V-できる・動詞可能形・どうしかのうけい

1. What is the Potential Form?

The potential form (可能形) expresses the ability or possibility to perform an action. It indicates that the subject can do something or that something is possible.

2. Main Uses of the Potential Form

Expressing Ability: Indicates the subject's capability to perform an action.
Expressing Possibility: Describes situations where something can happen.

3. Formation of the Potential Form

The formation of the potential form varies depending on the verb group.

3.1 Group 1 Verbs (五段動詞 - Godan Verbs)

For Group 1 verbs, the potential form is created by changing the final syllable as follows:

Verb Ending	Potential Ending	Example (Dictionary Form)
～う	→ ～える	会う (あう) → 会える (あえる)
～つ	→ ～ている	持つ (もつ) → 持てる (もてる)
～る	→ ～られる	取る (とる) → 取れる (とれる)
～む	→ ～める	飲む (のむ) → 飲める (のめる)
～ぬ	→ ～ねる	死ぬ (しぬ) → 死ねる (しねる)
～ぶ	→ ～べる	遊ぶ (あそぶ) → 遊べる (あそべる)
～く	→ ～ける	書く (かく) → 書ける (かける)
～ぐ	→ ～げる	泳ぐ (およぐ) → 泳げる (およげる)
～す	→ ～せる	話す (はなす) → 話せる (はなせる)

3.2 Group 2 Verbs (一段動詞 - Ichidan Verbs)

For Group 2 verbs, the potential form is created by removing the final "る" and adding "られる."

Verb Ending	Potential Ending	Example (Dictionary Form)	Example (Potential Form)
～る	→ ～られる	食べる (たべる) → 食べられる (たべられる)
		見る (みる) → 見られる (みられる)

3.3 Irregular Verbs (不規則動詞 - Irregular Verbs)

The main irregular verbs have the following changes in their potential forms:

Verb	Potential Ending	Example (Dictionary Form)	Example (Potential Form)
する	→ できる	する → できる
来る (くる)	→ 来られる (こられる)	来る (くる) → 来られる (こられる)

4. Examples of Potential Form in Sentences

Here are some examples showing how the potential form is used in different contexts:

Expressing Ability:
- 私は日本語が話せる。
  (I can speak Japanese.)
Expressing Possibility:
- 明日、行けるかもしれない。
  (I might be able to go tomorrow.)
Describing Capability:
- 彼はこの仕事を終わらせることができる。
  (He can finish this work.)
Asking about Ability:
- この料理は簡単に作れる？
  (Can you easily make this dish?)
Expressing Possibility:
- ここから見える。
  (You can see from here.)

5. Summary

The potential form is an essential structure in Japanese that allows speakers to express abilities and possibilities. Understanding how to form and use the potential form effectively enhances communication in various contexts.