Japanese Potential Form できる・られる | N4 Grammar
Learn Grammar: Potential Form (できる / られる) for N4 with simple rules, Japanese examples, romaji, English meanings, common mistakes, practice prompts, and a mini quiz.
Saying you 'can' do something proves you have mastery over Japanese conjugation.
Quick Meaning Box
Understand the core meaning first
Main Japanese
わたしは かんじが ___ 。
Listen and repeat slowly
English Meaning
I can read Kanji.
Nepali Meaning
म कान्जी पढ्न सक्छु।
Romaji
Practice with kana
Level
JLPT N4
Complete lesson list
| Japanese | Romaji | Meaning | Audio |
|---|---|---|---|
| わたしは かんじが ___ 。 | I can read Kanji. | ||
| にほんごが ___ ようになりました。 | I became able to speak Japanese. | ||
| ここで さしんが ___ 。 | Can I take photos here? | ||
| なっとうが ___ 。 | I cannot eat Natto. | ||
| あした パーティーに ___ 。 | I can come to the party tomorrow. | ||
| くるまの うんてんが ___ 。 | I can drive a car. | ||
| はやくいけば、えいがが ___ 。 | If we go early, we can watch the movie. |
How To Use It
Use Potential Form correctly
Simple Explanation
Use this pattern when you need to connect an idea clearly in a JLPT N4 sentence. Learn the pattern first, then read several examples until the order feels natural.
Sentence Structure
わたしは かんじが [correct form / particle] 。
Start with this simple structure before making longer sentences.
When To Use
Use it in beginner reading, short answers, daily-life examples, and JLPT review questions where the topic appears naturally.
When Not To Use
Do not force it into every sentence. If another word, particle, or grammar pattern expresses the idea more naturally, choose that instead.
- Japanese learners grow faster when they notice how this topic appears in everyday routines, classroom language, and common study examples.
- Even simple grammar lessons become more memorable when students connect them to real situations instead of treating them like a word list only.
Open the full beginner explanation
The Basic Way (〜ことができる)
Any dictionary form verb can be followed by ことができる (koto ga dekiru).
- Nomu koto ga dekiru (I can drink).
The Fluent Way (Potential Conjugation)
Native speakers usually conjugate the verb itself instead.
- Group 1 (U-Verbs): Change final 'u' to 'e', add 'ru'.
- Kaku -> Kakeru (Can write).
- Yomu -> Yomeru (Can read).
- Group 2 (Ru-verbs): Drop 'ru', add られる (rareru).
- Taberu -> Taberareru (Can eat).
- Group 3: Suru -> Dekiru. Kuru -> Korareru.
Particle Shift
When using potential form, the object particle を (wo) usually changes to が (ga).
- Hon wo yomu -> Hon ga yomeru (I can read the book).
Formula / Pattern Box
Memorize the reusable pattern
Pattern 1
わたしは かんじが [correct form / particle] 。
Pattern 2
Topic + particle + Potential Form
Pattern 3
Known word + Potential Form + new sentence
Pattern 4
Short sentence first, then add details slowly
Example Sentences
Read, repeat, and understand the usage
Example 1
漢字が読めます。
Kanji ga yomemasu.
English
I can read Kanji.
Nepali
म कान्जी पढ्न सक्छु।
- Focus: 漢字が読めます。
- Meaning: I can read Kanji.
- Role: Use it as the key lesson item.
Example 2
納豆が食べられません。
Nattou ga taberaremasen.
English
I cannot eat Natto.
Nepali
म नात्तो खान सक्दिनँ।
- Focus: 納豆が食べられません。
- Meaning: I cannot eat Natto.
- Role: Use it as the key lesson item.
Common Mistakes
Avoid the beginner traps
Mistake 1
Wrong
Memorize only: "I can read Kanji."
Correct
Read わたしは かんじが ___ 。, say the meaning, then use it in one short sentence.
Trying to memorize Grammar: Potential Form (できる / られる) only by translation instead of noticing how it appears in real Japanese patterns.
Mistake 2
Wrong
Memorize only: "I can read Kanji."
Correct
Read わたしは かんじが ___ 。, say the meaning, then use it in one short sentence.
Reviewing the list once and assuming the lesson is finished without testing recall later.
Mistake 3
Wrong
Memorize only: "I can read Kanji."
Correct
Read わたしは かんじが ___ 。, say the meaning, then use it in one short sentence.
Skipping speaking or writing practice, which makes the lesson harder to use actively.
Practice Section
Turn passive reading into active memory
Task 1
Fill in the blank
Complete the sentence: わたしは かんじが ___ 。 means I can read Kanji..
Task 2
Multiple choice
Choose the best meaning for わたしは かんじが ___ 。 before checking the lesson list.
Task 3
Sentence building
Make one short beginner sentence using わたしは かんじが ___ 。. Keep it simple.
Task 4
Translation practice
Translate this idea into Japanese: I can read Kanji..
Extra practice prompts
- Write two original sentences that use Grammar: Potential Form (できる / られる) naturally.
- Review the lesson once without notes, then check what you missed.
- Explain the main meaning of this topic in simple English as if teaching another beginner.
Self-check before moving on
- Can I explain the main purpose of Grammar: Potential Form (できる / られる) without reading the notes?
- Can I use at least one example from this lesson in my own sentence?
- Can I come back tomorrow and still remember the key meaning or pattern?
Mini Quiz
Check your understanding
Q1. Choose the best answer for: わたしは かんじが ___ 。
Q2. Choose the best answer for: にほんごが ___ ようになりました。
Q3. Choose the best answer for: ここで さしんが ___ 。
Q4. Choose the best answer for: なっとうが ___ 。
Q5. Choose the best answer for: あした パーティーに ___ 。
Q6. Choose the best answer for: くるまの うんてんが ___ 。
Q7. Choose the best answer for: はやくいけば、えいがが ___ 。
Q8. What does 漢字が読めます。 mean?
Show answer key
- よめます
- はなせる
- とれますか
- たべられません
- こられます
- できます
- みられます
- I can read Kanji.
Real Life Usage
Use the lesson outside flashcards
Conversation Example
A: わたしは かんじが ___ 。？
B: はい、わたしは かんじが ___ 。です。
practice reading - I can read Kanji.
Classroom Example
A teacher may ask you to read, choose, or explain わたしは かんじが ___ 。 during a beginner review.
Daily Life Example
Use わたしは かんじが ___ 。 when the meaning "I can read Kanji." appears in a simple real situation.
Use Grammar: Potential Form (できる / られる) in a short real-life scene
Imagine you are studying or interacting in a simple daily situation where JLPT N4 Japanese is enough. Your goal is to use this lesson clearly and naturally, not perfectly.
- Create one short scene that includes Grammar: Potential Form (できる / られる).
- Say or write two useful lines connected to the topic.
- Review what felt difficult and repeat the scene one more time with better accuracy.
FAQ
Common beginner questions
Why do some people say 'Tabereru' instead of 'Taberareru'?
That is 'Ra-nuki kotoba' (dropped-Ra language). In modern casual Japanese, many people drop the 'ra' making it faster to say. It's technically wrong, but incredibly common!
Summary Box
What to remember
Key Point
Potential Form becomes useful when you can recognize it, explain it simply, and use it in one short sentence.
Pattern
わたしは かんじが [correct form / particle] 。
Next Action
Review with a practice tool3 must-remember examples
- 漢字が読めます。 - I can read Kanji.
- 納豆が食べられません。 - I cannot eat Natto.