Japanese JLPT Grammar Point
Noun が できます (Noun ga dekimasu)

Noun が できます (Noun ga dekimasu)

Short explanation:

Express the ability to do something.

Formation:

Noun + が + できます

Examples:

英語ができます。
Eigo ga dekimasu.
I can speak English.
料理ができます。
Ryouri ga dekimasu.
I can cook.
彼は泳ぎができます。
Kare wa oyogi ga dekimasu.
He can swim.
彼女はピアノができます。
Kanojo wa piano ga dekimasu.
She can play the piano.

Long explanation:

The Noun が できます grammar point is used to express the ability to do something. In this grammar pattern, the noun is the activity that the speaker or subject can do. It translates as 'can do' or 'able to do' in English.

Detailed Grammar notes:

Processing keyword: Noun が できます (Noun ga dekimasu)

Japanese Grammar Point: Noun が できます (Noun ga dekimasu)

Lesson: Using "Noun が できます (Noun ga dekimasu)" in Japanese

1. Introduction

In this lesson, we'll explore the grammar point "Noun が できます (Noun ga dekimasu)", which is used to express ability or possibility in Japanese. This structure is essential for conveying what someone can do or what is possible.


2. Core Grammar Explanation

Detailed Explanation

"Noun が できます" is a Japanese expression that means "can do [noun]" or "to be able to [noun]". It is used to state that someone has the ability to perform an activity or that something is possible.

  • Meaning: "I can [noun]" or "I am able to [noun]"
  • Usage: To express ability or possibility regarding an action or activity represented by a noun.

Structure

The basic structure is:

Noun + が + できます。
  • Noun (名詞): An activity or action expressed as a noun.
  • : Subject marker particle indicating the subject of the ability.
  • できます: The polite present form of the verb できる (dekiru), meaning "can", "to be able to", or "to be possible".

Formation Diagram

Component Function Example
Noun Activity/Ability ピアノ (piano)
Subject marker particle
できます Polite form of "can do" できます

3. Comparative Analysis

Comparing Similar Grammar Points

  1. Noun が できます
    • Example: ピアノができます。
    • Meaning: I can play the piano.
  2. Verb Dictionary Form + ことができます
    • Example: ピアノを弾くことができます。
    • Meaning: I can play the piano. Differences:
  • Noun が できます: Uses a noun and is a more general statement about ability.
  • Verb + ことができます: Uses the verb in dictionary form plus こと to nominalize it, making the action itself the noun. Note: Both structures are correct, but Verb + ことができます can be more specific about the action.

4. Examples in Context

Formal Context

  1. 日本語: 私は日本語ができます。
    • English: I can speak Japanese.
  2. 日本語: 彼は運転ができます。
    • English: He can drive.

Informal Context

  1. 日本語: 明日、テニスができる?
    • English: Can you play tennis tomorrow?
  2. 日本語: 料理ができない。
    • English: I can't cook.

Written Context

  1. 日本語: お客様はオンライン予約ができます。
    • English: Customers can make online reservations.
  2. 日本語: この機械でコピーができます。
    • English: You can make copies with this machine.

Spoken Context

  1. 日本語: この電話で写真が撮れますか?
    • English: Can you take photos with this phone?
  2. 日本語: 今日、泳ぎができますか?
    • English: Can we swim today?

5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

In Japanese culture, expressing one's abilities is often done humbly and politely. Using できます is a respectful way to communicate what you can do without appearing boastful.

Politeness Levels

  • Polite Form: できます
    • Used in formal situations and with people of higher status.
  • Plain Form: できる
    • Used among close friends, family, or in casual settings.

Example:

  • Polite: 彼女はフランス語ができます。
    • She can speak French.
  • Plain: 彼女はフランス語ができる。
    • She can speak French.

Idiomatic Expressions

  • できるだけ (dekiru dake): As much as possible
    • Example: できるだけ早く来てください。
    • English: Please come as early as possible.
  • できれば (dekireba): If possible
    • Example: できれば、手伝ってください。
    • English: If possible, please help me.

6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

  1. Using the Wrong Particle
    • Incorrect: ピアノできます。
    • Correct: ピアノできます。
    • Tip: Remember to use , not , before できます.
  2. Confusing with Potential Form of Verbs
    • Potential Form Example: ピアノを弾けます。
    • Noun が できます Example: ピアノができます。
    • Difference: The potential form is used with verbs, while Noun が できます uses nouns to express ability.

Learning Strategies

  • Mnemonic Device: Associate with the ability marker in できます expressions.
  • Practice: Create sentences using activities you can and cannot do to become familiar with the pattern.
  • Tip: When in doubt, think about whether you're expressing ability about a noun (use が できます) or if you need to use the potential form of a verb.

7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

  • "Noun が できます" is used to express that someone can do something or that something is possible.
  • The structure is Noun + が + できます.
  • Use the particle , not , before できます.
  • できます is the polite form; できる is the plain form.
  • This pattern is different from using the potential form of verbs.

Quick Recap Quiz

  1. Question: How do you say "I can drive" using "Noun が できます"?
    • Answer: 運転ができます。
  2. Question: Correct the mistake in the sentence: "彼は日本語をできます。"
    • Answer: 彼は日本語できます。
  3. Question: What particle is used before できます in this grammar pattern?
    • Answer: The particle .

Congratulations! You have learned how to use "Noun が できます" to express abilities and possibilities in Japanese. Practice by making your own sentences using this structure to enhance your fluency.

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Public Alpha version Open Source (GitHub). This site is currently undergoing active development. You may (will) encounter bugs, inconsistencies, or limited functionality. Lots of sentences might not sound natural. We are progressively addressing these issues with native speakers.


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