GE20 · Ability: 〜ことが できる

Before you start

The sentences use words you already know, up to the elementary level, and assume basic grammar.

This lesson assumes what you saw in the earlier ones. If something feels shaky, go back to it:

• GE01say what you can do
• GE02say who gives what to whom
• GE03say what happens if or when
• GE04say what something looks like
• GE05say something is done or happened by mistake
• GE06say what always happens when…
• GE07say something happens anyway
• GE08speak as among friends
• GE09say how things are left and prepare
• GE10say what happens if…
• GE11say what is done to you
• GE12say someone makes or lets another do something
• GE13say what you've decided to do
• GE14say what you have to do
• GE15give several reasons
• GE16say something might happen
• GE17say what is likely
• GE18say what is expected
• GE19say you try doing something

What you learn

〜ことが できます

• こと〜ことが できる: can
• できますcan
• できませんcannot

The dictionary form + ことが できます says what can be done or what you can do: にほんごを はなす ことが できます (I can speak Japanese). It means the same as the potential form (GE01: はなせます) but sounds a little more formal and works with any verb. Negative: できません.

• にほんごを はなす ことが できます。nihongo o hanasu koto ga dekimasu.I can speak Japanese.
• ここで たべる ことが できます。koko de taberu koto ga dekimasu.You can eat here.
• よやくを する ことが できます。yoyaku o suru koto ga dekimasu.You can book.
• ここで コーヒーを のむ ことが できません。koko de koohii o nomu koto ga dekimasen.You can't drink coffee here.
• やまに のぼる ことが できます。yama ni noboru koto ga dekimasu.You can climb the mountain.
• あした くる ことが できますか。ashita kuru koto ga dekimasu ka.Can you come tomorrow?

Practice

A short text written only with the kana and grammar you already know. Read it and answer.