Grammar Info

N4 Lesson 8: 16/18

ことが出来(でき)るCan, Be able to

Structure

Verb + こと + が + できる
Noun + が + できる

Details

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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.

Examples

--:--

    馬(うま)に乗(の)る事(こと)が出来(でき)る。

    I can ride a horse.

    泳(およ)ぐ事(こと)が出来(でき)ますか？

    Can you swim?

    初(はじ)めて、漢字(かんじ)を書(か)く事(こと)が出来(でき)た。

    I was able to write kanji for the first time.

    私(わたし)の姉(あね)は歌(うた)う事(こと)が出来(でき)る。

    My older sister can sing.

    約束(やくそく)を守(まも)る事(こと)が出来(でき)なくてすみません。

    I am sorry that I am unable to keep my promise.

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      ことができる – Grammar Discussion

      Most Recent Replies (5 in total)

      • matt_in_mito

        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

        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

        matt_in_mito

        This actually makes a lot of sense and when I say it to myself it sounds right. Thanks.

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