Translation guide
The concept of capability in English covers ability, capacity, potential, and functionality. In Japanese, it is expressed through nouns like 能力 (ability), 性能 (performance/capability of machines), and 容量 (capacity), as well as grammatical patterns like ことができる (can do) and potential verb forms. The choice depends on whether you're talking about a person's skill, a machine's specs, or abstract potential.
彼にはそれをする能力がある。
He has the capability to do it.
このコンピューターは性能が高い。
This computer has high capability.
Expressing what someone can do, their competence or talent.
The most common and general word for 'ability' or 'capability' of a person. Used for innate or acquired skills.
彼にはその仕事をする能力がある。
He has the capability to do that job.
語学の能力を伸ばしたい。
I want to improve my language ability.
A grammatical pattern meaning 'can do' or 'is able to do'. Attach to the dictionary form of a verb. Very common and neutral.
彼はピアノを弾くことができる。
He can play the piano.
私は日本語を話すことができる。
I can speak Japanese.
Japanese verbs have a potential form (e.g., 話せる, 食べられる) that directly means 'can do'. More casual and common in speech than ことができる.
彼はピアノが弾ける。
He can play the piano.
私は日本語が話せる。
I can speak Japanese.
Refers more to 'talent' or 'gift', a natural aptitude. Often used for artistic or intellectual capabilities.
彼女には音楽の才能がある。
She has a talent for music.
Describing the maximum amount something can hold, produce, or the potential to develop.
Means 'capacity' in the sense of volume, storage, or load. Used for containers, batteries, hard drives, etc.
このバッテリーの容量は大きい。
This battery has a large capacity.
ハードディスクの容量が足りない。
The hard disk capacity is insufficient.
Refers to 'performance' or 'capability' of machines, devices, or systems. Emphasizes functional power.
Means 'possibility' or 'potential'. Used when capability is about what might be achieved in the future.
Talking about what a device or software can do, its features or power.
Means 'function' or 'feature'. Often used to list what a device or software is capable of.
このアプリには多くの機能がある。
This app has many capabilities/features.
Loanword from English 'spec'. Commonly used for technical specifications of computers, cars, etc.
Expressing that someone or something is in a state of being capable.
Literally 'has ability'. The standard way to say someone is capable.
彼はリーダーになる能力がある。
He has the capability to be a leader.
Means 'is possible' or 'is capable of being done'. More formal and often used in written language.
この計画の実行は可能である。
Execution of this plan is possible/capable.
能力 is for human ability or abstract capability. 性能 is for machine performance. 容量 is for physical capacity like storage or volume.
彼の能力は素晴らしい。
His ability is wonderful.
この車の性能は良い。
This car's performance is good.
この箱の容量は50リットルだ。
This box's capacity is 50 liters.
Using 能力 for a machine's capability can sound unnatural. Use 性能 or 機能 instead.
このソフトウェアの機能は素晴らしい。
The capability of this software is impressive.
彼女には複雑な問題を解決する能力がある。
She has the capability to solve complex problems.
このコンピューターは性能が高い。
This computer has high capability/performance.
この計画には大きな可能性がある。
This plan has great potential/capability.
このパソコンのスペックを教えてください。
Please tell me the specs/capabilities of this PC.