Translation guide
The English phrase "can do" is used to express ability, possibility, or willingness. In Japanese, this concept is expressed through various grammar patterns and phrases depending on the context.
To say that someone is able to do something, or that something is possible.
The most common way to express ability. Verbs are conjugated into their potential form. For ru-verbs, replace る with られる. For u-verbs, change the final vowel to its え equivalent and add る. Irregular verbs: する → できる, くる → こられる.
私は日本語を話せます。
I can speak Japanese.
彼は泳げます。
He can swim.
The verb できる means 'can do' or 'be able to do'. It is often used with nouns or the particle が to indicate what one can do. It is the potential form of する.
料理ができますか？
Can you cook?
彼は運転ができます。
He can drive.
A more formal or written way to express ability. It uses the dictionary form of a verb plus ことができる. It is often interchangeable with the potential form.
彼はピアノを弾くことができます。
He can play the piano.
Used to express a change in ability over time, meaning 'become able to do'. It emphasizes the process of acquiring a skill.
日本語が話せるようになりました。
I have become able to speak Japanese.
To say that something is allowed or permitted.
A common way to ask for or give permission. It literally means 'it's good even if you do...'. Often used with ですか for polite questions.
ここに座ってもいいですか？
Can I sit here?
写真を撮ってもいいですよ。
You can take photos.
A slightly more formal or polite way to give permission, meaning 'I don't mind if you do...'. It implies that the action is acceptable.
タバコを吸ってもかまいませんか？
Do you mind if I smoke?
To say that something is possible or can happen.
Used to express strong expectation or logical conclusion that something is possible. It means 'should be able to' or 'ought to be able to'.
彼ならできるはずです。
He should be able to do it.
A more formal expression meaning 'there is a possibility of doing'. It is used in written or formal contexts.
成功する可能性があります。
There is a possibility of success.
To express a positive, proactive attitude of being willing and able to do something.
Literally 'have motivation', this phrase conveys a can-do spirit. It is often used to describe someone who is eager and ready to take on tasks.
彼はやる気がある。
He has a can-do attitude.
Means 'forward-looking' or 'positive'. It describes a proactive, can-do mindset.
前向きに考えましょう。
Let's think positively (with a can-do attitude).
Used as a casual reply meaning 'Yes, I can do it' or 'Sure, no problem'.
Literally 'leave it to me', this is a very common casual way to say 'I can handle it' or 'I've got this'.
任せて！
Leave it to me! (I can do it!)
Means 'roger' or 'understood'. It is a casual way to acknowledge a request and imply you can do it.
了解！
Got it! (Can do!)
The English phrase 'can-do' as an adjective (e.g., 'a can-do attitude') does not have a direct one-word Japanese equivalent. Use phrases like やる気がある or 前向き instead.
彼女はとてもやる気がある。
She has a very can-do attitude.
The potential form is more common in everyday speech. ことができる is slightly more formal and often used in writing or formal speech. Both are correct and often interchangeable.
彼は泳げる。
He can swim. (casual)
彼は泳ぐことができる。
He can swim. (more formal)
お願いがあるんですが。
Can you do me a favor?
This is a natural way to ask for a favor, not a direct translation of 'can do'.