できる
dekiru[de̞kʲiɾɯ̟]
In Japanese, 'can' is expressed using the verb できる (dekiru). Wiktionary also lists -れる (-reru).
Meaning: to be able to, to know how to (verb)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| できる | dekiru | [de̞kʲiɾɯ̟] (narrow) |
| -れる | -reru |
The verb できる is used to express ability or possibility, such as being able to do something or knowing how to do it. Unlike English, which uses a modal auxiliary 'can', Japanese uses this verb to convey the same meaning. Depending on the context, できる can also mean 'to be completed' or 'to be formed'. Note that the word 缶 refers to a container or a cylindrical vessel for liquids.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The polite form of the verb is できます.
How do you pronounce it?
dekiru
Did you know?
- The word できる originally meant 'to come out' or 'to appear'.
- In Japanese, the concept of 'can' is often expressed by a verb that also describes a building being finished or a child being born.
- While できる expresses ability, the word for a tin can, 缶, is a homophone that shares no linguistic root with the verb.
Examples in context
- それできる？Can you do that?This sentence uses できる to ask if someone is able to do something.Tatoeba #2080528 by bunbuku, translation #17570 by CK
- 想像できる？Can you picture it?This sentence uses できる to ask about the ability to imagine something.Tatoeba #11935544 by small_snow, translation #3308388 by CK
- 彼ならできる。He can do it.This sentence uses できる to state that someone has the ability to do something.Tatoeba #8555793 by small_snow, translation #2388618 by AlanF_US
- わたしは日本語が話せます。I can speak Japanese.
- 先生の許可を得れば、早く帰ることができますか。If I have the teacher's permission, can I leave early?
- コンピュータを使ってもいいですか。May I use the computer?
- このゲームができる？Can you play this game?
- 明日、友達を招待していい？Can I invite a friend tomorrow?
- 電話してもいい？Can I make a phone call?
- これ、ちゃんとできますか。Can you do this properly?
- 586 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Misaki and Kenta are talking about their hobbies.
- 美咲 Misaki健太さんは料理ができる？Kenta-san wa ryouri ga dekiru?Kenta, can you cook?
- 健太 Kentaうん、簡単な料理ならできるよ。Un, kantanna ryouri nara dekiru yo.Yeah, I can do simple dishes.
- 美咲 Misakiすごい！いつか作ってね。Sugoi! Itsuka tsukutte ne.Amazing! Make something for me sometime.
- 健太 Kentaいいよ。楽しみにしてて。Ii yo. Tanoshimi ni shite te.Sure. Look forward to it.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “can” translations and entries 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.
