Japanese grammar
What does ～が + 可能形 mean? Japanese grammar N1
～が + 可能形 means particle with potential form (が or を).
| Level (estimated, JLPT framework) | N1 |
|---|---|
| Structure | N + が + V可能形 |
| Romaji | ga + kanoukei |
| Meaning | particle with potential form (が or を) |
Forming it
| Noun (language) | 日本語 + が + 話せる |
|---|---|
| Noun (instrument) | ピアノ + が + 弾ける |
How to use it
A common PARTICLE pitfall: with the potential form, the object usually shifts from 「を」 to 「が」.
- When a verb changes to the POTENTIAL form, an object that originally took 「を」 usually changes to 「が」: 「日本語を話す」 → 「日本語が話せる」.
- Using 「を」 with the potential form isn't strictly wrong, but 「が」 is the standard and more natural choice.
- The one who has the ability takes 「は／に」: 「私は日本語が話せる」.
Examples
彼は日本語が上手に話せる。
He can speak Japanese very well.
私にはこの問題が解けない。
I can’t solve this problem.
Keep in mind
- を → が when changing to the potential form.
- The subject uses 「は／に」.
Common mistakes
-
Wrong私は日本語を話せます。
I can speak Japanese.
Correct私は日本語が話せます。
With the POTENTIAL form, the standard object particle is 「が」 instead of 「を」.
-
Wrong私が日本語が話せる。
I can speak Japanese.
Correct私は日本語が話せる。
The one with the ability uses 「は」 (or 「には」) — don't use 「が」 twice.
Exam tips
- Potential form: the object goes 「を」→「が」; the subject uses 「は／には」.