〜ことができる expresses ability, meaning "can" or "be able to." It is a more formal alternative to potential verb forms.
Formation: Verb dictionary form + ことができる
At this store, you can pay by card.
When to use:
• Formal writing and speech
• When potential form would be ambiguous
• Emphasizing the ability itself
• With する verbs (運転することができる)
Comparison:
| | Potential form | ことができる |
|---|----------------|---------------|
| 食べられる | 食べることができる |
| Feel | Natural, casual | Formal, explicit |
| Use | Conversation | Writing, formal |
Negative:
• 〜ことができない - Cannot
• 〜ことはできない - Cannot (emphatic)
ことができる vs potential form
- Both mean "can do"
- ことができる = more formal, circumstantial
- 食べられる = more natural, ability
For nouns: noun + ができる
- 日本語ができる (can speak Japanese)
I can read kanji.
Can we swim here?
I cannot make a reservation.
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