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Definition
The grammar pattern ～られる／～れる expresses the ability or possibility of an action. It can be used to describe what someone can do or what is possible for them to do. This pattern is often used to express a sense of possibility or ability, and it can be used in a variety of contexts, such as talking about someone's skills or abilities, or describing a situation where something is possible or likely to happen.
Structure
| Form | Pattern | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Godan verbs | Change the final 'u' to 'e' and add 'ru' | iku -> ikeru |
| Ichidan verbs | Replace 'ru' with 'rareru' | okiru -> okirareru |
| Kuru and Miru | Change 'ku' to 'keru' and 'mu' to 'meru' | kuru -> keru, miru -> meru |
Examples
漢字が５００字になることができます。
Kanji ga 500 jī ni naru koto ga dekimasu.
I can learn 500 kanji.
Kanji ga 500 jī ni naru koto ga dekimasu. (I can learn 500 kanji.)
私は納豆が食べられる。
Watashi wa nattō ga taberareru.
I can eat natto.
Watashi wa nattō ga taberareru. (I can eat natto.)
日本語のニュースが読めるようになりたいです。
Nihongo no nyūsu ga yomeru yō ni naru koto ga arimasu.
I want to be able to read Japanese news.
Nihongo no nyūsu ga yomeru yō ni naru koto ga arimasu. (I want to be able to read Japanese news.)
彼女は英語が話すことができます。
Kanojo wa eigo ga hanasu koto ga dekimasu.
She can speak English.
Kanojo wa eigo ga hanasu koto ga dekimasu. (She can speak English.)
Context
The ～られる／～れる pattern is used to express ability or possibility, and it can be used in a variety of contexts. It is often used in formal writing and speaking, and it can be used to describe someone's skills or abilities, or to describe a situation where something is possible or likely to happen. It is also used to express a sense of possibility or ability, and it can be used in combination with other grammar patterns to express more complex ideas.
Watch out
The object of the potential verb should be marked with 'ga', not 'o'. For example, 'Watashi wa nattō ga taberareru' (I can eat natto), not 'Watashi wa nattō o taberareru'.
The 'ra-nuki' form is often used in informal speech, but it is not acceptable in formal writing or speaking. The correct form of the potential verb should be used instead.
The ichidan potential and passive patterns are often confused with each other, but they have different meanings and uses. The ichidan potential pattern is used to express ability or possibility, while the passive pattern is used to express the recipient of an action.
Strategy
When taking the JLPT N4 exam, be sure to pay attention to the formation rules for the ～られる／～れる pattern. Make sure to use the correct form of the potential verb, and be careful not to confuse ichidan potential with passive. Also, be aware of the common mistakes listed above and try to avoid them.
In context
Worked examples drawn from JLPT N4 test-style questions. Each sentence shows ～られる／～れる used correctly, with a brief note on what the pattern is doing.
漢字が５００字書けるようになりたいです。
Pattern used: 書ける
'Kakeru' is the potential form of the Godan verb 'kaku', expressing the ability to write.
私は納豆が食べられます。
Pattern used: 食べられます
For Ichidan verbs like 'taberu', the potential form is 'taberareru'.
日本語のニュースが聞き取れるようになりたい。
Pattern used: 聞き取れる
'Kikitoreru' is the potential form of 'kikitoru', indicating the ability to understand spoken Japanese.
Interactive
漢字が５００字______ようになりたいです。
Adaptive practice
Our adaptive engine will quiz you on this grammar pattern and track your progress toward mastery.