Translation guide
The English word 'capable' describes having the ability, skill, or qualities to do something. In Japanese, this concept is expressed through various adjectives, verbs, and grammatical patterns depending on whether you're talking about general competence, specific skills, or inherent potential.
Expressing that someone can do something because they have the necessary skill or ability.
This is the most standard and neutral way to say 'capable of doing' or 'can do'. It works for both inherent ability and learned skills.
彼はピアノを弾くことができる。
He is capable of playing the piano.
I am capable of speaking Japanese.
The potential form of verbs is a concise and very common way to express capability. It's less formal than ことができる and used in everyday speech.
彼はピアノが弾ける。
He can play the piano.
私は日本語が話せる。
I can speak Japanese.
An adjective meaning 'capable' or 'competent', often used to describe a person's overall ability, especially in professional contexts.
彼は有能なエンジニアだ。
He is a capable engineer.
The verb できる itself means 'to be able to do' or 'can do'. It can be used alone or with a noun to indicate capability.
Describing someone or something as having the inherent capacity to achieve or become something.
Literally 'has ability', this phrase is used to say someone is capable in a general sense or has the capacity for something.
彼女はリーダーになる能力がある。
She is capable of becoming a leader.
Means 'has talent', implying a natural capability or giftedness.
彼は音楽の才能がある。
He is capable in music (has musical talent).
Using できる with a noun indicates capability related to that noun, often implying potential or possibility.
この機械は複雑な作業ができる。
This machine is capable of complex tasks.
Describing a person who is generally capable, reliable, and gets things done.
A common phrase meaning 'reliable', 'steady', or 'capable'. It describes someone who is dependable and competent in daily life.
彼はしっかりしているから安心だ。
He is capable, so I feel at ease.
As above, but used more broadly for general competence.
有能な秘書を探している。
We are looking for a capable secretary.
Literally 'skilled arm', meaning a highly capable or skilled person, often in a trade or craft.
Both express capability, but ことができる is more formal and explicit. The potential form is shorter and more conversational. In writing or formal speech, ことができる is preferred. Note that with the potential form, the object particle を often changes to が.
日本語を話すことができる。
I can speak Japanese. (formal)
日本語が話せる。
I can speak Japanese. (casual)
English often uses 'capable' where Japanese would use simpler expressions like できる or potential verbs. Direct translations like 能力がある can sound stiff if overused. Choose the most natural phrasing for the context.
腕利きの職人に頼もう。
Let's ask a capable craftsman.