できる
dekiru[de̞kʲiɾɯ̟]
The Japanese phrase for "can do" is できる (dekiru).
できる is used to express that someone has the ability or permission to perform a specific action. It can also be used to mean that something is possible or that a task has been completed or finished.
How does it change in a sentence?
When you want to speak politely, use the form できます instead of できる.
How do you pronounce it?
dekiru
Did you know?
- In Japanese, the idea of 'can do' is linked to the concept of 'appearing', which is why the same word is used when a new store opens in town.
- The word できる is a fusion of two ancient verbs meaning 'to go out' and 'to come'.
- The phrase is an intransitive verb, meaning that in Japanese, the thing you 'can do' is often the subject of the sentence rather than the object.
Examples in context
- 彼ならできる。He can do it.This sentence demonstrates the use of できる to express ability.Tatoeba #8555793 by small_snow, translation #2388618 by AlanF_US
- 君ならできる。You can do this.Tatoeba #8555812 by small_snow, translation #1895811 by CK
- 手品できるよ。I can do magic tricks.This sentence illustrates using できる to express the ability to perform a specific task.Tatoeba #8621633 by bunbuku, translation #5964418 by mailohilohi
- 私は日本語ができます。I can speak Japanese.
- 映画のチケット、買えるよ。I can buy the movie tickets.
- これは自分で作れる。I can make this by myself.
- できるだけ早く手伝います。I will help as soon as possible.
- 俺がやれることなら手伝うよ。I'll help with anything I can do.
- 134 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Yota is asking Yui if she can play a video game.
- 陽太 Yota結衣、このゲームできる？Yui, kono geemu dekiru?Yui, can you play this game?
- 結衣 Yuiうん、できるよ。Un, dekiru yo.Yeah, I can.
- 陽太 Yotaすごいね！Sugoi ne!That's amazing!
- 結衣 Yui陽太もやってみる？Yota mo yatte miru?Do you want to try it too, Yota?
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry できる, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries できる, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
