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)

Japanese Grammar Point: Verb ることができる (〜ru koto ga dekiru)

1. Introduction

The expression ることができる (〜ru koto ga dekiru) is a grammatical structure used to indicate the ability or possibility of doing something. It can be translated as "to be able to (do something)" in English.

2. Core Grammar Explanation

Detailed Explanation

• Structure:
  • To use this structure, take the dictionary form (basic form) of a verb, convert it into the る (ru) form by adding こと (koto), and then attach ができる (ga dekiru).
• Formation:
  • Verb Dictionary Form + ことができる
    • Example:
      • 食べる (taberu) → 食べることができる (taberu koto ga dekiru) "to be able to eat"

Meaning

• Indicates the ability or capability to perform an action.
• Can also describe the possibility of an action happening.

Visual Aid

3. Comparative Analysis

• Similar Structure:
  • ことができる vs. できる
    • できる is a more direct way of saying "can" or "to be able to" and is often used in casual conversation.
    • ことができる is more formal and structured, used in writing or formal speech.

4. Examples in Context

Sentence Examples

Formal Context

1. 日本語を話すことができる。
   Nihongo o hanasu koto ga dekiru.
   "I am able to speak Japanese."
2. 明日、会議に参加することができる。
   Ashita, kaigi ni sankasuru koto ga dekiru.
   "I will be able to attend the meeting tomorrow."

Informal Context

3. 彼はサッカーをすることができる。
   Kare wa sakkaa o suru koto ga dekiru.
   "He can play soccer."
4. 昨日、映画を見ることができた。
   Kinou, eiga o miru koto ga dekita.
   "I was able to watch a movie yesterday."

5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

• Understanding this structure is important for meeting social expectations of politeness in Japanese culture. The use of ることができる can indicate not only ability but also willingness to help or share one's capabilities with others, which is greatly valued.

Idiomatic Expressions

• フィットネスに行くことができる。
  Fittonesu ni iku koto ga dekiru.
  "I can go to fitness."

6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

• A common mistake is to confuse できる with ことができる when speaking casually. Make sure to choose the right form depending on formality.

Learning Strategies

• Mnemonic Device: Think of こと (koto) as a "thing"; when you add it to a verb, you are making "the action a thing" that can be done.
• Remember the distinction: できる is more straightforward, while ことができる adds formality.

7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• ることができる is used to express ability or possibility.
• It is more formal than できる and is often used in written or official contexts.
• Structure is straightforward: Verb (dictionary form) + ことができる.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. How do you form the expression for "to be able to eat" using ることができる?
2. Compare できる and ことができる in terms of formality.
3. What does こと (koto) add to the verb in this grammar point?