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)

1. Introduction

In this lesson, we'll delve into the Japanese grammar pattern Verb ることができる (〜ru koto ga dekiru). This structure is used to express the ability or possibility to do something. Mastering this pattern will enhance your ability to talk about what you or others can and cannot do in Japanese.

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2. Core Grammar Explanation

Meaning

Verb ることができる translates to "can do [verb]" or "be able to [verb]". It indicates that someone has the ability or possibility to perform an action.

Structure

The structure of this grammar point is as follows:

[Verb Dictionary Form] + ことができる

• Verb Dictionary Form: The plain form of the verb ending with "る".

Formation Diagram

Component	Explanation
Verb (Dictionary Form)	The base form of the action verb
こと	A nominalizer turning the verb into a noun phrase
が	Subject marker particle
できる	The verb "can do" or "be able to"

Conjugation of できる

The verb できる is an Ichidan verb (る-verb) and is conjugated as follows: | Form | Conjugation | Polite Form | English | |------------------------------|-----------------|----------------------|------------------------| | Present Affirmative | できる | できます | Can do | | Present Negative | できない | できません | Cannot do | | Past Affirmative | できた | できました | Could do | | Past Negative | できなかった | できませんでした | Could not do |

3. Comparative Analysis

Comparing with Potential Form

Japanese verbs have a potential form that also expresses ability.

• Potential Form Example: 食べる (taberu) → 食べられる (taberareru) "can eat"

Differences:

• ことができる:
  • Used with the dictionary form of the verb.
  • Slightly more formal.
  • Emphasizes the action as a noun.
• Potential Form:
  • Changes the verb into its potential form.
  • Common in casual conversation.
  • More concise.

Example:

• ことができる: 漢字を読むことができます。
  • Kanji o yomu koto ga dekimasu.
  • "I can read kanji."
• Potential Form: 漢字が読めます。
  • Kanji ga yomemasu.
  • "I can read kanji."

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4. Examples in Context

Formal Situations

1. 彼女は日本語を話すことができます。
   • Kanojo wa Nihongo o hanasu koto ga dekimasu.
   • She can speak Japanese.
2. ここで写真を撮ることができますか。
   • Koko de shashin o toru koto ga dekimasu ka?
   • Can we take pictures here?

Informal Situations

1. 明日、映画を見ることができない。
   • Ashita, eiga o miru koto ga dekinai.
   • I can't watch the movie tomorrow.
2. 彼は車を運転することができた。
   • Kare wa kuruma o untensuru koto ga dekita.
   • He was able to drive a car.

Written Context

1. このカードでお支払いすることができます。
   • Kono kādo de oshiharai suru koto ga dekimasu.
   • You can pay with this card.

Spoken Context

1. 手伝うことができません、ごめんなさい。
   • Tetsudau koto ga dekimasen, gomennasai.
   • I can't help you, sorry.

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5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

• Politeness Levels: Using ことができる adds a level of formality and politeness, making it suitable for formal conversations, business settings, or when speaking to someone of higher status.
• Expressing Humility: In Japanese culture, modesty is valued. Saying ことができません (I cannot do it) can be a humble way to express limitations.

Idiomatic Expressions

• できるだけ: As much as possible
  • できるだけ早く来てください。
  • Dekiru dake hayaku kite kudasai.
  • Please come as soon as possible.

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6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

1. Using the Wrong Verb Form
   • Incorrect: 日本語を話してことができます。
     • Nihongo o hanashite koto ga dekimasu.
   • Correct: 日本語を話すことができます。
     • Nihongo o hanasu koto ga dekimasu. Tip: Always use the dictionary form of the verb before ことができる.
2. Incorrect Particle Usage
   • Incorrect: ピアノを弾くことをできる。
     • Piano o hiku koto wo dekiru.
   • Correct: ピアノを弾くことができる。
     • Piano o hiku koto ga dekiru. Tip: Use the particle が before できる.

Learning Strategies

• Mnemonic Device: Think of ことができる as "the thing of doing [verb] can be done."
• Practice with Common Verbs: Create sentences using verbs you frequently use to become comfortable with the structure.
• Switch Between Forms: Practice converting sentences between ことができる and the potential form to understand the nuances.

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7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• Structure: [Verb Dictionary Form] + ことができる means "can [verb]" or "be able to [verb]".
• Formality: This pattern is more formal and is often used in polite speech and writing.
• Particle Usage: Always use が before できる.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. Fill in the blank: 彼は車を運転すること___できます。
   • Answer: が
   • Kare wa kuruma o untensuru koto ga dekimasu.
2. True or False: In the structure ことができる, the verb should be in its potential form.
   • Answer: False
   • The verb should be in its dictionary form.
3. Translate: I couldn't see Mt. Fuji.
   • Answer: 富士山を見ることができませんでした。
   • Fujisan o miru koto ga dekimasen deshita.

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By understanding and practicing Verb ることができる, you'll be better equipped to express abilities and possibilities in Japanese, enhancing your overall language proficiency.

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