Translation guide
Expressing the ability to take something, physically or abstractly, in Japanese.
Expressing that one can physically take, hold, or carry something.
Potential form of 取る (to take). Used for ability to take, pick up, or grab something.
この箱は一人で取れますか？
Can you take this box by yourself?
Potential form of 持つ (to hold/carry). Emphasizes ability to hold or carry something.
この荷物、持てる？
Can you carry this luggage?
Expressing that one can accept or receive something offered.
Potential form of 受け取る (to receive). Used for ability to accept or take delivery of something.
明日、荷物を受け取れますか？
Can you take the package tomorrow?
Potential form of もらう (to receive). Casual and common for receiving things from others.
これ、もらえる？
Can I take this?
Expressing that one can afford the time or effort required.
Literally 'can take time'. Used to say one can make time for something.
明日、時間が取れますか？
Can you take some time tomorrow?
Means 'to have leeway/room'. Used to express ability to take on something without pressure.
今、新しい仕事を引き受ける余裕がありますか？
Do you have the capacity to take on new work now?
Expressing that one can enroll in or attend a class.
Potential form of 授業を取る (to take a class). Standard way to say you can register for a course.
この授業、まだ取れますか？
Can I still take this class?
More formal term for 'can take a course', often used in academic settings.
留学生もこの講座を受講できます。
International students can also take this course.
Expressing that one can ingest or tolerate a substance.
Potential form of 飲む (to drink/take medicine). Used for ability to swallow pills or liquids.
この薬、飲めますか？
Can you take this medicine?
Formal/medical term for 'can take (medicine)'.
このサプリメントは食後に服用できます。
You can take this supplement after meals.
Expressing that one can capture or record something.
Potential form of 写真を撮る (to take a photo).
ここで写真が撮れますか？
Can I take a photo here?
Potential form of 測る (to measure). Used for ability to take measurements.
この機械で温度が測れます。
You can take the temperature with this device.
Avoid directly translating 'be able to take' as '取ることができる' in most contexts. Japanese uses specific potential verbs or phrases depending on what is being taken.
写真を取ることができる
be able to take a photo (unnatural)
写真が撮れる
can take a photo (natural)