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.
He has the capability to do it.
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.
He has the capability to do that job.
A grammatical pattern meaning 'can do' or 'is able to do'. Attach to the dictionary form of a verb. Very common and neutral.
He can play the piano.
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.
He can play the piano.
Refers more to 'talent' or 'gift', a natural aptitude. Often used for artistic or intellectual capabilities.
Describing the maximum amount something can hold, produce, or the potential to develop.
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.
Expressing that someone or something is in a state of being capable.
Literally 'has ability'. The standard way to say someone is 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.
His ability is wonderful.
The capability of this software is impressive.
I want to improve my language ability.
私は日本語を話すことができる。
I can speak Japanese.
I can speak Japanese.
彼女には音楽の才能がある。
She has a talent for music.
Means 'capacity' in the sense of volume, storage, or load. Used for containers, batteries, hard drives, etc.
This battery has a large capacity.
The hard disk capacity is insufficient.
Refers to 'performance' or 'capability' of machines, devices, or systems. Emphasizes functional power.
This computer has high capability/performance.
Means 'possibility' or 'potential'. Used when capability is about what might be achieved in the future.
This plan has great potential/capability.
This app has many capabilities/features.
Loanword from English 'spec'. Commonly used for technical specifications of computers, cars, etc.
Please tell me the specs/capabilities of this PC.
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.
Execution of this plan is possible/capable.
This car's performance is good.
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.
She has the capability to solve complex problems.