Processing keyword: Verb る こと ができる (ru koto ga dekiru)

Japanese Grammar Point: Verb る こと ができる (ru koto ga dekiru)

Verb る こと ができる (ru koto ga dekiru)

1. Introduction

The grammar point ることができる (ru koto ga dekiru) is used to express the ability or possibility to do something. It is commonly used to convey that a certain action can be performed.

2. Core Grammar Explanation

Detailed Explanation

• Structure: Verb る (ru-form) + こと + が (ga) + できる (dekiru)
• This structure combines the ru-form of the verb, which is the dictionary form, with こと (koto), indicating "the fact of doing (something)", followed by ができる (ga dekiru), meaning "can do".

Formation Diagram

[Base Verb] る + こと + が + できる

Meaning

• Essentially, this construction indicates the ability to perform an action defined by the verb.

Examples of Verb Forms

• 食べる (taberu - to eat) → 食べることができる (taberu koto ga dekiru - can eat)
• 行く (iku - to go) → 行くことができる (iku koto ga dekiru - can go)

3. Comparative Analysis

• Verb なければならない (naka-reba naranai): Indicates necessity, while ことができる indicates ability. For instance,
  • できる (dekiru) = can do
  • なければならない (nakereba naranai) = must do

4. Examples in Context

Sentence Examples

1. Formal Context:

   • 日本語を話すことができます。
     (Nihongo o hanasu koto ga dekimasu.)
     "I can speak Japanese."

2. Informal Context:

   • 週末は遊びに行けることができるよ。
     (Shūmatsu wa asobi ni ikeru koto ga dekiru yo.)
     "I can go out to play this weekend."

3. Written Context:

   • このプログラムでは、様々な言語を学ぶことができる。
     (Kono puroguramu de wa, samazama na gengo o manabu koto ga dekiru.)
     "This program allows one to learn various languages."

4. Spoken Context:

   • 山登りは簡単で、誰でもできることだ。
     (Yama nobori wa kantan de, dare demo dekiru koto da.)
     "Hiking is easy and anyone can do it."

5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

• Discussing one's abilities is a common part of conversations in Japan. Politeness is crucial, so using the correct form (できる vs. できます) reflects respect toward the listener.

Idiomatic Expressions

• 何でもできる (nandemo dekiru) - "can do anything"

6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

• Mixing up the verb forms: Remember to use the ru-form of the verb before ことができる.
• Using できる (dekiru) in a polite form without changing to できます (dekimasu) when needed.

Learning Strategies

• Mnemonic: Think of "能力" (nouryoku - ability) being linked to "できる" to remember that this grammatical structure refers to capabilities.

7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• ることができる is used to express the ability to perform an action.
• Always use the ru-form of the verb before ことができる.
• Understand the levels of politeness when communicating abilities.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. What is the structure of ることができる?
2. How do you say "I can eat" using this grammar point?
3. What is the difference between できる and できます? Feel free to use this information to enhance your understanding of the grammar point!