Structure
Verb + こと + が + できる
Noun + が + できる
Details
Register
Standard
About ことができる
Like ことがある, ことができる is an expression that nominalizes what comes before it (turns it into a noun-phrase), and then highlights something about that (A) phrase. In the case of ことができる, the thing being highlighted about (A) is that it is 'possible'. This translates as 'can do (A)', or 'to be able to do (A)'.
However, こと is only required when the (A) phrase needs nominalization (is not a noun to begin with). Due to this, ができる may be used by itself when following a noun, without changing the meaning.
Fun Fact
のが (or のは) is also frequently used for nominalization, but this is rarely the case when a verb follows it. Some other expressions where のが may not be swapped for こと are as follows:
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
--:--
Get more example sentences!
Premium users get access to 12 example sentences on all Grammar Points.
馬に乗る事が出来る。
I can ride a horse.
泳ぐ事が出来ますか?
Can you swim?
初めて、漢字を書く事が出来た。
I was able to write kanji for the first time.
私の姉は歌う事が出来る。
My older sister can sing.
約束を守る事が出来なくてすみません。
I am sorry that I am unable to keep my promise.
Self-Study Sentences
Study your own way!
Add sentences and study them alongside Bunpro sentences.
Online
How to use 出来る
MaggieSensei
ことができる vs. Other Potential Forms
Japanese Stack Exchange
Difference between の and こと nominalizers
Japanese Stack Exchange
CAN /potential form(られる/ことができる)
Japanese Ammo
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
Track Resources!
Bunpro tracks all of the resources you’ve visited, and offers relevant bookmarks of physical books to help with offline tracking.
ことができる – Grammar Discussion
Most Recent Replies (5 in total)
matt_in_mito
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
@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
This actually makes a lot of sense and when I say it to myself it sounds right. Thanks.
Got questions about ことができる? Join us to discuss, ask, and learn together!
Join the Discussion