JLPT N4 grammar

〜ことができるmeaning and usage

Meaning

  1. Be able to A; can do A
  2. Can A; be possible to A (possibility of the subject to do A)

How to form it

  • verb (dictionary form)ことができる
  • nounができる

How it is used

“Can” or “be able to”, with essentially the same meaning as the potential form (「話せる」) but more formal and written; common in rules and explanations. For skills, a noun with 「ができる」 also works: 「日本語ができる」.

Examples

  1. あなたのおかげで、 私は早く終えることができました。

    Thanks to your help, I was able to finish early.

  2. この図書館では、本を二週間借りることができます。

    At this library, you can borrow books for two weeks.

  3. 父は三か国語を話すことができる。

    My father can speak three languages.