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)

1. Introduction

In Japanese, expressing the ability or possibility to do something is essential for daily communication. The grammar pattern Verb る こと が できます (ru koto ga dekimasu) allows speakers to convey that they can perform a specific action. This pattern translates to "can do [verb]" in English.

2. Core Grammar Explanation

Detailed Explanation

The pattern Verb る こと が できます is used to express:

• Ability: Indicating that someone can do something.
• Possibility: Indicating that something is possible.

Meaning

• Verb る こと が できます → "can [verb]" / "be able to [verb]"

Structure

[Verb Dictionary Form] + ことができます

• Verb Dictionary Form: The basic form of the verb (ends with "u" sound).
• ことができます: A phrase meaning "can do" or "be able to."

Formation Diagram

Visual Aids

Verb Conjugation Table

3. Comparative Analysis

Comparing Verb る こと が できます with the Potential Form of verbs:

Potential Form

• Structure: Verbs are conjugated into their potential form.
• Example: 食べる → 食べられる (taberu → taberareru)

Verb る こと が できます

• Structure: Verb dictionary form + ことができます
• Example: 食べることができます (taberu koto ga dekimasu) Differences:
• Formality: ことができます is more formal and polite.
• Usage: Potential form is commonly used in casual speech.

4. Examples in Context

Sentence Examples

Formal Situations

1. 私は日本語を話すことができます。
   • Watashi wa Nihongo o hanasu koto ga dekimasu.
   • "I can speak Japanese."
2. 彼はピアノを弾くことができます。
   • Kare wa piano o hiku koto ga dekimasu.
   • "He can play the piano."
3. 山に登ることができますか。
   • Yama ni noboru koto ga dekimasu ka.
   • "Can you climb the mountain?"

Informal Situations

1. 英語を読むことができる。
   • Eigo o yomu koto ga dekiru.
   • "I can read English."
2. 明日、来ることができる？
   • Ashita, kuru koto ga dekiru?
   • "Can you come tomorrow?"

Written Language

1. このアプリを使うことができます。
   • Kono apuri o tsukau koto ga dekimasu.
   • "You can use this app."
2. 図書館で勉強することができます。
   • Toshokan de benkyō suru koto ga dekimasu.
   • "You can study at the library."

5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

• Politeness Level: Using ことができます is polite and appropriate for formal situations.
• Respect for Ability: Emphasizes humility and respect when talking about one's abilities.

Idiomatic Expressions

1. 参加することができます
   • "Can participate"
   • Commonly used in invitations or event announcements.
2. 利用することができます
   • "Can use"
   • Frequently seen in instructions or guidelines.

6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

• Incorrect Verb Form: Using the masu-form instead of the dictionary form.
  • Incorrect: 食べますことができます ❌
  • Correct: 食べることができます ✔️
• Omitting が: Forgetting the particle が in ことができます.
  • Incorrect: 食べることできます ❌
  • Correct: 食べることができます ✔️

Learning Strategies

• Remember the Structure: Always use the verb in its dictionary form before ことができます.
• Particle Practice: Practice using particles correctly; が is essential in this grammar pattern.
• Listen and Repeat: Listen to native speakers using the pattern and mimic their intonation.

7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• Verb る こと が できます expresses ability or possibility.
• Use the dictionary form of the verb before ことができます.
• It is a polite and formal way to express "can [verb]."

Quick Recap Quiz

1. How do you say "I can swim" using this grammar pattern?
   • Answer: 泳ぐことができます。
     • Oyogu koto ga dekimasu.
2. Identify the error in the sentence: 私は歌いますことができます。
   • Answer: The verb should be in dictionary form.
     • Correct Sentence: 私は歌うことができます。
3. Translate to Japanese: "Can she understand Japanese?"
   • Answer: 彼女は日本語を理解することができますか。
     • Kanojo wa Nihongo o rikai suru koto ga dekimasu ka.