〜られる

〜られる is a verb form expressing can ~ (potential). 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#

Group 1: change final う-sound to え-sound + る. Group 2: add られる (colloquially ら is dropped → 食べれる).

When to Use#

• Expressing ability: 漢字が読める (I can read kanji)
• Possibility: 明日は来られる？ (Can you come tomorrow?)
• Situational ability: ここで泳げる (You can swim here)

When NOT to Use#

• When the meaning is closer to "passive (be done to)" — use 受身形 instead
• In very formal writing where a more sophisticated expression would be expected

Example Sentences#

• カードは使えますか。 — Do you accept credit cards?
• ひらがなが読めます。 — I can read hiragana.
• 日本語が読めますか。 — Can you read Japanese?

Practice#

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

Common Mistakes#

1. Confusing 〜られる with 受身形 — While both are related, 〜られる expresses "can ~ (potential)" whereas 受身形 expresses "passive (be done to)." Pay attention to the specific nuance each pattern conveys.
2. Using 〜られる 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.
3. 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
• 〜ます (polite verb ending) — Next step
• 受身形 (passive (be done to)) — Compare