Translation guide
Expresses the ability to obtain, receive, or achieve something. Japanese uses potential forms, verbs of receiving, or achievement patterns depending on what is being 'gotten'.
Expressing that you can acquire or get hold of a tangible item.
Potential form of 手に入れる (to obtain). Natural for acquiring things you want.
この本はオンラインで手に入れられますか。
Can I get this book online?
Potential form of 買う (to buy). Use when 'get' means 'purchase'.
あの店で安く買えるよ。
You can get it cheap at that store.
Potential form of もらう (to receive). Use when someone gives you something.
応募すると無料でもらえます。
You can get it for free if you apply.
Expressing that you can obtain something intangible like information, permission, or help.
Potential form of 受ける (to receive). Common for services, education, medical care.
この病院で専門的な治療が受けられます。
You can get specialized treatment at this hospital.
Potential form of 得る (to gain). Slightly formal, used for information, knowledge, results.
インターネットで最新情報が得られます。
You can get the latest information on the internet.
Also works for intangible things like permission or advice.
先生からアドバイスがもらえます。
You can get advice from the teacher.
Expressing ability to arrive somewhere or achieve a condition.
Potential form of 行く (to go). Use for 'can get to a place'.
駅まで歩いて行けますか。
Can you get to the station on foot?
Potential form of 着く (to arrive). Emphasizes reaching the destination.
この電車で何時に着けますか。
What time can we get there by this train?
Potential form of なる (to become). For 'get' meaning 'become'.
努力すればプロになれます。
If you work hard, you can get to be a pro.
Expressing ability to comprehend or perceive.
The verb わかる already means 'to understand', so potential is not needed. Use directly.
彼の言っていることがわかりますか。
Can you get what he's saying?
More formal than わかる. 理解 (understanding) + できる (can do).
この概念が理解できますか。
Can you get this concept?
Expressing that circumstances allow you to do something.
General potential form. Use with a verb to mean 'can do'.
明日はゆっくり休めます。
I'll be able to get some rest tomorrow.
Means 'there are times when...' or 'sometimes get to...'. Not strictly ability, but opportunity.
たまに海外に行くことがあります。
I sometimes get to go abroad.
English 'get' has many meanings. Do not try to translate it with a single Japanese verb. Identify the specific meaning (obtain, receive, become, understand, arrive) and use the appropriate Japanese expression.
手に入れる emphasizes acquisition through effort or chance. もらう is receiving from someone. 買う is purchasing. Choose based on how the item is obtained.