Translation guide
The English word 'can' has two main functions: expressing ability/possibility and making requests/permissions. In Japanese, these are expressed with different grammar patterns, not a single word. This guide covers the most common and natural ways to express each meaning.
Expressing that someone is able to do something, or that something is possible.
The most common way to express ability or possibility. Verbs conjugate into a potential form. For ru-verbs, replace る with られる. For u-verbs, change the final -u to -eru. Irregular verbs: する → できる, 来る → 来られる (こられる).
私は日本語を話せます。
I can speak Japanese.
明日、来られますか？
Can you come tomorrow?
A more formal or written way to express ability. It uses the noun こと (thing) and できる (can do). Often used when the potential form might be ambiguous or for emphasis.
彼は泳ぐことができます。
He can swim.
The potential form of する (to do). Means 'can do' or 'is possible'. Often used with nouns or as a standalone verb.
Used to ask or grant permission, similar to 'can I...?' or 'you can...'. Literally 'even if you do X it's good'. Often followed by ですか for politeness.
ここに座ってもいいですか？
Can I sit here?
Asking someone to do something, or asking for permission to do something.
Casual to polite request. くれる means 'to give (to me)'. Using negative form (くれませんか) is more polite. Often used among friends or in informal situations.
ちょっと手伝ってくれる？
Can you help me a bit?
窓を開けてくれませんか？
Can you open the window?
Polite request. もらう means 'to receive'. This pattern is more formal than くれる and is common in service situations. Negative form is even more polite.
少々お待ちいただけますか？
Can you wait a moment? (very polite)
写真を撮ってもらえませんか？
Can you take a picture for me?
Standard way to ask for permission: 'Is it okay if I...?' Equivalent to 'Can I...?'.
このペンを使ってもいいですか？
Can I use this pen?
Very polite request, humble form of もらう. Used in business or formal settings.
ご確認いただけますか？
Can you check this? (formal)
There is no single Japanese word for 'can'. Using a dictionary translation like できる for all cases will sound unnatural. Always consider the function: ability, possibility, or request.
× 私はできる泳ぐ。
Incorrect: I can swim.
○ 私は泳げます。
Correct: I can swim.
The potential form is shorter and more conversational. ことができる is more formal and often used in writing or when the potential form might be confused with passive (for ru-verbs). In speech, the potential form is preferred.
食べられます (potential) vs. 食べられます (passive/honorific)
Can eat vs. is eaten / eats (honorific)
To say 'can do [noun]', use [noun] + ができる. This is very common for skills or activities.
運転ができます。
I can drive. (lit. Driving is possible.)