Japanese grammar
What does ～ことができる mean? Japanese grammar N4
～ことができる means can ~, be able to ~.
| Level (estimated, JLPT framework) | N4 |
|---|---|
| Structure | V (dictionary form) + ことができます N + ができます |
| Romaji | ~ koto ga dekiru |
| Meaning | can ~, be able to ~ |
Forming it
| Verb | Use the DICTIONARY form: 泳ぐ → 泳ぐことができます |
|---|---|
| Negative | ことができません |
| Noun (action) | Drop こと and use directly: 運転ができます、予約ができます |
How to use it
Expressing ability or permission, more formal than the potential form.
- The meaning almost overlaps with the potential form, but the register differs: ～ことができる is more formal and "bookish", commonly found in announcements, instructions, signs, and writing. The potential form is shorter, so it dominates everyday conversation.
- Because it uses the dictionary form before こと, this pattern doesn't require conjugating the potential form — easier for beginners, especially before they've memorized the group 1 conjugation table.
- With action nouns (nouns that go with する, such as 運転・予約・支払い), こと can be omitted and you can say 「運転ができます」. This is a very natural way of speaking.
- When you want to emphasize "being allowed" in a regulation, this pattern sounds more natural than the potential form: 「ここでカードが使えます」 sounds like plain information, while 「ここでカードを使うことができます」 sounds like an official clause.
Examples
この図書館では本を借りることができます。
You can borrow books at this library.
弟はまだ漢字を書くことができません。
My younger brother cannot write kanji yet.
インターネットで予約ができます。
You can make a reservation online.
Keep in mind
- こと here is written in hiragana, not as 事.
- Don't say 「できることができる」 — it's redundant.
Common mistakes
-
Wrong日本語を話せることができます。
I can speak Japanese.
Correct日本語を話すことができます。／日本語が話せます。
The "double potential" error — very common among Vietnamese speakers wanting to be extra sure. Before こと must be the original DICTIONARY form; choose ONE of the two ways of speaking.
-
Wrong泳ぎますことができます。
I can swim.
Correct泳ぐことができます。
こと only follows the dictionary form or the plain form, not the ます form.
Exam tips
- Reading comprehension passages and signs often use ～ことができます; conversation often uses the potential form. Recognizing the register helps choose the right answer.