Structure
Verb + こと + が + できる
Noun + が + できる
Details
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Standard
使用域
一般
About ことができる
- 魚のように泳ぐことができるように毎日練習する。I practice everyday so that I will be able to swim like a fish.
- 彼は料理をすることができる。He is able to cook.
- 運転ができる彼氏が欲しい。I want a boyfriend that can drive.
- 力仕事ができる人を探しています。We are looking for a person that is able to do physical labor.
ことがある - For (A) to exist.
ことにする - To make something (A).
ことになる - For (A) to come to be.
Synonyms
Examples
馬に乗ることができる。
I can ride a horse.
泳ぐことができますか?
Can you swim?
初めて、漢字を書くことができた。
I was able to write kanji for the first time.
私の子供は一人で買い物ができる。
My kid can go shopping by himself.
私の姉は歌うことが出来る。
My older sister can sing.
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ことができる vs. Other Potential Forms
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Offline
みんなの日本語 I
Page 116 [CH 18]
みんなの日本語 II
Page 18 [CH 27]
[DBJG] A Dictionary of Basic Japanese Grammar
Page 10 & 200
Tae Kim's Japanese Grammar Guide
Page 126
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ことができる – Grammar Discussion
Most Recent Replies (5 in total)
matt_in_mito
About 3 years ago
There’s no real difference but I personally use ことができる in more polite/formal situations. It definitely feels more polite. I usually use standard potential form with friends.
Johnathan-Weir
About 3 years ago
@matt_in_mito @rwmleach
I’ve heard that ことができる is more about ability to do something.
While potential form is not only ability to do something but opportunity as well.
So basically if you can’t swim you can say:
泳ぐことができません
Or
泳げませんBut if can’t swim because you have homework then you can only say:
宿題なので泳げません
Though I don’t have a link on hand to support this.
matt_in_mito
About 3 years ago
This actually makes a lot of sense and when I say it to myself it sounds right. Thanks.
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