GRAMMAR DETAIL
～ことができる
Attaches to the plain form of a verb to express ability or something made possible by the circumstances.
Examples
このアプリでは、学習の記録を保存することができる。
This app allows you to save your learning record.
Words used
この図書館では、静かな席で本を読むことができます。
At this library, you can read books in a quiet seat.
Words used
Study notes
1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning
- Structure: Add
ことができるafter a verb's dictionary form to present the action as possible. - Basic usage:
記録を保存することができるdescribes a function or possibility of saving a record.
2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions
- Ability and circumstances
泳ぐことができるcan express swimming ability, whileここで本を読むことができるcan express what the setting makes possible. Context distinguishes personal ability from enabling conditions.
- Attachment and negation
- Mark politeness at the end, as in
読むことができます, and negate possibility as in読むことができません. Keep the preceding verb in the dictionary form読む.
- Mark politeness at the end, as in