Translation guide
The English word 'can' has two main functions: expressing ability/possibility and making requests/permissions. In Japanese, these are expressed with different grammar patterns, not a single word. This guide covers the most common and natural ways to express each meaning.
Expressing that someone is able to do something, or that something is possible.
The most common way to express ability or possibility. Verbs conjugate into a potential form. For ru-verbs, replace る with られる. For u-verbs, change the final -u to -eru. Irregular verbs: する → できる, 来る → 来られる (こられる).
I can speak Japanese.
Can you come tomorrow?
A more formal or written way to express ability. It uses the noun こと (thing) and できる (can do). Often used when the potential form might be ambiguous or for emphasis.
He can swim.
The potential form of する (to do). Means 'can do' or 'is possible'. Often used with nouns or as a standalone verb.
Used to ask or grant permission, similar to 'can I...?' or 'you can...'. Literally 'even if you do X it's good'. Often followed by ですか for politeness.
Can I sit here?
Asking someone to do something, or asking for permission to do something.
Casual to polite request. くれる means 'to give (to me)'. Using negative form (くれませんか) is more polite. Often used among friends or in informal situations.
Can you help me a bit?
Can you open the window?
Polite request. もらう means 'to receive'. This pattern is more formal than くれる and is common in service situations. Negative form is even more polite.
Can you wait a moment? (very polite)
Standard way to ask for permission: 'Is it okay if I...?' Equivalent to 'Can I...?'.
Can I use this pen?
Very polite request, humble form of もらう. Used in business or formal settings.
Can you check this? (formal)
There is no single Japanese word for 'can'. Using a dictionary translation like できる for all cases will sound unnatural. Always consider the function: ability, possibility, or request.
Incorrect: I can swim.
Correct: I can swim.
The potential form is shorter and more conversational. ことができる is more formal and often used in writing or when the potential form might be confused with passive (for ru-verbs). In speech, the potential form is preferred.
Can eat vs. is eaten / eats (honorific)
To say 'can do [noun]', use [noun] + ができる. This is very common for skills or activities.
I can drive. (lit. Driving is possible.)
写真を撮ってもらえませんか？
Can you take a picture for me?