can do ~, be able to do ~

Beginner

20-25 min

very common

Expert Reviewed

Explanation

Expresses ability or possibility.

[Dictionary form] + ことができます

日本語を話すことができます。

Nihongo wo hanasu koto ga dekimasu.

I can speak Japanese.

泳ぐことができません。

Oyogu koto ga dekimasen.

I can't swim.

Can also use potential form: 話せます、泳げます

～てもいいです

may do ~, it's okay to do ~

～てはいけません

must not do ~, not allowed to do ~

～なければなりません

must do ~, have to do ~

～なくてもいいです

don't have to do ~, don't need to do ~

Talk about your abilities: 日本語を話すことができます。漢字を読むことができます。Compare with potential form: 話せます.

JLPTBooks Editorial Team

Japanese Language Education Specialists

Last updated: Jan 15

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