〜ことができる Can / Be able to
Core meaning - Can / Be able to
Form - V(dict) + ことができます; V(dict) + ことができる
Usage - Focus on the highlighted segment in each example; surrounding words can change while the pattern function stays the same.
Use this pattern for its grammatical function, not as a literal word-by-word translation.
See examples below for varied real-world usage.
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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