〜ことができる

〜ことができる is a verb form expressing can / be able to. 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 an intermediate pattern used regularly in everyday Japanese conversation and writing.

Formation#

More formal alternative to the potential form (泳げる).

When to Use#

• When expressing ability to do something (formal alternative to potential form)
• When describing what is possible in a given situation

When NOT to Use#

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

Example Sentences#

• 国際電話ができますか。 — Can I make international calls?
• SNSを使うことができますか。 — Can you use social media?
• 写真をメールで送ることができます。 — I can send photos by email.

Practice#

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

Common Mistakes#

1. Using 〜ことができる interchangeably with 〜ができます — These patterns are similar but not identical. 〜ができます (can do ~) 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#

• 〜ができます (can do ~) — Similar