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Can do / able to
Definition
The grammar pattern "できる" expresses ability or possibility. It can be used to describe something that can be done or something that is possible. It can also be used to indicate that something is completed or ready. The object of ability takes "が", not "を". This pattern implies capability, not just action, which is different from the pattern "する". For example, "日本語ができる" means "can speak Japanese" or "speaking Japanese is possible", while "日本語をできる" would imply that the speaker can do something with Japanese, which is not the intended meaning.
Structure
| Form | Pattern | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Noun or adjective form | Noun/Adjective + が + できる | 日本語ができる |
| Verb form | Verb + ことができる | 日本語を話すことができる |
| Noun or adjective form | Noun/Adjective + が + できる (to indicate completion or readiness) | 準備ができている |
Examples
田中さんは日本語ができます。
Tanaka-san wa nihongo ga dekiru.
Tanaka-san can speak Japanese.
田中さんは (Tanaka-san) = subject, 日本語が (Japanese) = object of ability, できます (can speak) = ability
わたしはピアノができます。
Watashi wa piano ga dekiru.
I can play the piano.
わたしは (I) = subject, ピアノが (piano) = object of ability, できます (can play) = ability
A: りょうりができますか。B: いいえ、できません。
A: Ryouri ga dekiru ka. B: Iie, dekinai.
A: Can you cook? B: No, I can't.
A: りょうりが (can cook) = ability, できますか (can you) = question, B: いいえ (no), できません (can't) = inability
この本は読める。
Kono hon wa yomeru.
This book is readable.
この本は (this book) = subject, 読める (can read) = ability
Context
This pattern is used to express ability or possibility. It can be used with nouns, adjectives, and verbs. The object of ability takes "が", not "を". This pattern is often used in formal or polite language.
Watch out
The object of ability takes "が", not "を". Using "を" would imply that the speaker can do something with the object, which is not the intended meaning.
The pattern できる implies capability, not just action. Using する would imply that the speaker is doing something, not that they have the ability to do it.
The pattern できる can be used to indicate completion or readiness with a noun or adjective, but not with a verb. Using it with a verb would imply that the speaker has the ability to do the action, not that the action is completed or ready.
Strategy
In the JLPT exam, this pattern is often used in reading comprehension questions to test the candidate's ability to understand the meaning of a sentence. Candidates should pay attention to the object of ability and the verb used to express ability.
In context
Worked examples drawn from JLPT N5 test-style questions. Each sentence shows できる used correctly, with a brief note on what the pattern is doing.
田中さんは日本語ができます。
Pattern used: が
With できる, the thing one is able to do takes が. 日本語ができる means 'can speak/do Japanese.' Using を is a common mistake.
わたしはピアノができます。
Pattern used: ができます
ができます expresses the ability to play piano. をします means 'I play piano' (action), which is different from stating ability. The question is about capability.
A：「りょうりができますか。」B：「いいえ、できません。」
Pattern used: できません
The question asks about ability (can you cook?), so the answer should also address ability. できません means 'I cannot.' しません means 'I don't do it,' which is about choice, not ability.
Interactive
田中さんは日本語______できます。
Adaptive practice
Our adaptive engine will quiz you on this grammar pattern and track your progress toward mastery.