Japanese word

できる

Pronunciation

Romajidekiru

Meaning

  • verbcan, be able to

Example

私は自転車に乗ることができます。watashi wa ji ten sha ni no ru ko to ga de ki ma su

I can ride a bicycle.

Illustration for できる (can)

More examples

私は泳ぐことができます。watashi wa oyo gu ko to ga de ki ma su

I can swim.

この店では、カードで支払うことができます。ko no mise de wa kā do de shi hara u ko to ga de ki ma su

You can pay by card at this store.

Core concept

Describes an action or situation as within the range of what a person or circumstance can make happen.

Common phrases

  • ことができるko to ga de ki ru

    can

  • 料理ができるryō ri ga de ki ru

    can cook

  • 予約ができるyo yaku ga de ki ru

    can make a reservation

Definition in Japanese

能力や条件が備わっていて、ある行為を実行することが可能である。nō ryoku ya jō ken ga sona wa tte i te a ru kō i o jik kō su ru ko to ga ka nō de a ru

Word origin

できる (dekiru) derives from 出来る (dekiru, "come into being"), combining 出る (deru, "go out") with 来る (kuru, "come"); what comes about can also be something that is possible.

Usage tips

  • The negative form できない (dekinai) is a frequent conversational way to say that an action cannot be done, so learners meet できる (dekiru) and できない (dekinai) as a useful pair.

Other meanings

  • be permitted toverb
  • be possibleverb

Word lists with this word