〜ができる

can ...; be able to

1. Overview

「〜ができる」 is a grammatical construction in Japanese that expresses the ability to do something or the possibility of an action being performed. It can be translated as "can" or "be able to."

2. Structure

3. Usage Explanation

• Connection:

  • The structure follows a noun to indicate that the subject has the capability or possibility to perform the action described by the noun.

• Usage:

  • It is commonly used in both spoken and written forms of Japanese to express abilities or potential actions.

• Translation:

  • It is usually translated as "can" or "be able to."

4. Example Sentences

1. 英語ができる。
   (I can speak English.)

2. 日本語ができません。
   (I cannot speak Japanese.)

3. 料理ができるのはいいことだ。
   (It's good to be able to cook.)

4. ギターができる人はかっこいい。
   (People who can play the guitar are cool.)

5. サッカーができる友達がいます。
   (I have a friend who can play soccer.)

6. 食べることができる。
   (I can eat.)

5. Similar Grammar

• 〜ことができる: Used with verbs to express the ability to do something.

  • Example: 日本語を話すことができる。(I can speak Japanese.)

• 〜られる: A potential form used for transitive verbs to express ability or possibility.

  • Example: 見られる (can see).

6. Notes

• Formal Use:

  • The construction can be formalized with できます (the polite form of できる), making it suitable for various contexts, including formal conversations.

• Context:

  • This structure is frequently used to discuss abilities or the possibility of actions, making it versatile in daily conversation.

7. Summary

The 「〜ができる」 structure in Japanese is used to express the ability to do something or the possibility of an action. It is widely used in everyday language and formal contexts to convey capability and potential.