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ことができる (Can Do/Be Able To)

[Dictionary Form]ことができる

Explanation

Ability or possibility to do something.

Formation

Dictionary form + ことができる

Examples

日本語を話すことができます。
Nihongo o hanasu koto ga dekimasu.
I can speak Japanese.
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泳ぐことができません。
Oyogu koto ga dekimasen.
I cannot swim.
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漢字を読むことができますか。
Kanji o yomu koto ga dekimasu ka.
Can you read kanji?
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Usage Notes

  • More formal than potential form
  • Emphasizes ability/possibility
  • が optional but common
  • できる conjugates for tense

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Dictionary form + こと (not ます form)
  • Different from たい (want) or つもり (intend)
  • ができます often contracted to できます in speech

Related Grammar from "Verb Forms and Conjugations"

ます-form (Polite Present/Future)

[Verb Stem]ます

Polite form for present habitual actions or future intentions.

ました (Polite Past)

[Verb Stem]ました

Polite past tense form indicating completed actions.

ません (Polite Negative)

[Verb Stem]ません

Polite negative form for present/future.

More from "Verb Forms and Conjugations"