"ことができる" (koto ga dekiru) is an expression that indicates the ability to do a certain action, or that it is possible to do so under the circumstances.
Attach "ことができる" after the dictionary form of a verb.
Verb Conjugation
| Masu-form | Dictionary Form + ことができる | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 食べます (tabemasu) | 食べることができる | Can eat |
| 行きます (ikimasu) | 行くことができる | Can go |
| 話します (hanashimasu) | 話すことができる | Can speak |
私 は 日本語を 話すことができます。
watashi wa nihongo o hanasu koto ga dekimasu.
I can speak Japanese.
ここでは 写真を 撮ることができます。
koko de wa shashin o toru koto ga dekimasu.
You can take pictures here.
Comparison Summary
| Expression | Used For | Nuance |
|---|---|---|
| Potential form (e.g. 話せる) | Daily conversation, casual situations | Shorter and often used in spoken language |
| ～ことができる | Formal situations, written language | More polite and formal expression, natural in writing |
Before "できる (dekimasu)", you must always use "Verb Dictionary Form + こと (koto)". You cannot say "食べますことができる" (tabemasu koto ga dekiru).
⚡ Practice Quiz
Check your understanding!