〜ができます

〜ができます is a verb form expressing can do ~. Understanding this conjugation pattern is essential for expanding what you can express in Japanese. Verb forms are the backbone of Japanese grammar — each form unlocks new ways to describe actions, states, and intentions.

This is a foundational pattern that you will use from day one of your Japanese studies.

When to Use#

• When expressing ability to do something
• When asking if something is possible

When NOT to Use#

• In very formal writing where a more sophisticated expression would be expected

Example Sentences#

• ピアノが弾けます。 — I can play the piano.
• スキーができません。 — I can't ski.
• ギターが少し弾けます。 — I can play the guitar a little.

Practice#

Try reading these sentences aloud, then check the translation and vocabulary:

Common Mistakes#

1. Using 〜ができます interchangeably with 〜ことができる — These patterns are similar but not identical. 〜ことができる (can / be able to) may be preferred in different contexts or registers.
2. Wrong verb group conjugation — Group 1 and Group 2 verbs conjugate differently. Common pitfall: treating Group 1 verbs ending in る (like 帰る) as Group 2 verbs.

Related Patterns#

• 〜ことができる (can / be able to) — Similar
• 〜られる (can ~ (potential)) — Similar