Processing keyword: Verb る こと が できます (ru koto ga dekimasu)

Japanese Grammar Point: Verb る こと が できます (ru koto ga dekimasu)

Japanese Grammar Point: Verb る こと が できます (ru koto ga dekimasu)

Introduction

The phrase "Verb る こと が できます" is used to express the ability or capability to do something in Japanese. This construction emphasizes that the subject can perform the action of the verb.

Core Grammar Explanation

Meaning

• こと (koto): This noun means "thing" or "matter." In this context, it refers to the "action" or "event" of the verb.
• が (ga): This is the subject marker that indicates what is being discussed.
• できます (dekimasu): This is the polite form of the verb "できる (dekiru)," which means "to be able to" or "can."

Structure

The general structure to form the phrase is as follows:

1. Take the ru-form of the verb (the dictionary form).
2. Add こと after it.
3. Follow with ができます. Formation Diagram

Verb (る-form) + こと + が + できます

Examples

• 食べる (taberu) → 食べることができます (taberu koto ga dekimasu) - "I can eat."
• 見る (miru) → 見ることができます (miru koto ga dekimasu) - "I can see."
• 行く (iku) → 行くことができます (iku koto ga dekimasu) - "I can go."

Comparative Analysis

This grammar point is similar to Verb ることができる (ru koto ga dekiru), which is the casual or informal counterpart.

• ができます is used in formal contexts, while ができる is more common in casual conversation.

Comparison Table

Examples in Context

Sentence Examples

1. Formal Written Context:

   • この仕事は女性でもできることができます。
   • (Kono shigoto wa josei demo dekiru koto ga dekimasu.)
   • "This job can also be done by women."

2. Informal Spoken Context:

   • 今日はピザを作ることができますよ！
   • (Kyou wa piza o tsukuru koto ga dekimasu yo!)
   • "I can make pizza today!"

3. Request Context:

   • 先生に聞くことができますか？
   • (Sensei ni kiku koto ga dekimasu ka?)
   • "Can I ask the teacher?"

Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

In Japanese culture, politeness and humility are vital. Therefore, using "ができます" (polite form) is preferred in formal situations, such as job interviews or presentations, while "ができる" (casual form) is common among friends.

Levels of Politeness

• Use ができます in formal settings (business meetings, polite conversations).
• Use ができる with friends or in relaxed settings.

Idiomatic Expressions

• 何でもできます (nan demo dekimasu): "I can do anything."
• 苦手なこともできます (nigate na koto mo dekimasu): "I can do things I’m not good at too."

Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

• Mixing up the verb forms: Learners often incorrectly use the informal form in formal contexts.
• Forgetting to convert verbs to the ru-form before adding こと.

Learning Strategies

• Mnemonic Device: Think of できる as "Do-able" to remember it means "can" or "be able to."
• Practice forming sentences by picking random verbs to reinforce structure.

Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• "Verb る こと が できます" indicates capability and is used in polite contexts.
• The structure involves the ru-form of verbs and requires understanding of こと and ができます.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. How do you express "I can swim" using this grammar point?

   • (Answer: 泳ぐことができます (oyogu koto ga dekimasu))

2. What is the informal version of "食べることができます"?

   • (Answer: 食べることができる (taberu koto ga dekiru))

3. Give an example of a verb you can turn into this structure.

   • (Example: 読む (yomu) → 読むことができます (yomu koto ga dekimasu))