できます
dekimasu
The English phrase "I can do it" is translated into Japanese as できます (dekimasu).
できます is used to state that one has the ability or skill to perform a specific task. When using this phrase, the subject 私 (I) is often omitted if the context makes it clear that you are talking about your own ability.
Which one should you use?
While できます expresses the ability to do something, it is also frequently used to mean that something has been "made" or "is ready", such as when saying "Dinner is ready".
How do you pronounce it?
dekimasu
Did you know?
- The word できます is used to describe a child being born or a relationship starting. It essentially treats the 'ability' to exist as the act of appearing.
- While できます means 'I can do it', saying it too confidently in a professional Japanese setting can sometimes be perceived as arrogance. Many speakers prefer softer phrases to avoid sounding overconfident.
- The word できます is used when a new building is completed or a store opens. In this context, it does not mean 'ability' but that the structure has 'come into existence'.
Examples in context
- 私なら一週間でできますよ。I can do it in a week.This sentence is useful for showing how to express that you can complete a task within a specific timeframe using できます.Tatoeba #11457722 by small_snow, translation #73140 by CK
- 私なら半分の時間でできます。I can do it in half the time.This sentence is useful for expressing the ability to do something in a shorter amount of time using できます.Tatoeba #1174582 by bunbuku, translation #249657 by CK
- 何の問題もなく、できますよ。I can do it, no problem.This sentence is useful for expressing that you can do something without any problems using できます.Tatoeba #11582623 by small_snow, translation #2663535 by CK
- このプロジェクトは任せていただければ、全力で取り組み、成果を出すことができます。If you entrust me with this project, I will do my best and deliver the desired results.
- この取引案件については、自信がありますので、良い結果を出せると思います。I have confidence in this business matter, so I believe we can achieve a favorable outcome.
- この課題、俺がやれるよ！I can do this task!
- 新しいスキルが必要なプロジェクトでも、大丈夫。やってみる！Even for projects that require new skills, it's alright. I will give it a try!
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
A senior employee asks a junior employee if he can handle a new task.
- 美咲 Misakiこの仕事、一人でできますか？Kono shigoto, hitori de dekimasu ka?Can you do this work by yourself?
- 大翔 Hirotoはい、大丈夫です。できます。Hai, daijoubu desu. Dekimasu.Yes, it's fine. I can do it.
- 美咲 Misaki頼もしいですね、大翔さん。Tanomoshii desu ne, Hiroto-san.That's reassuring, Hiroto.
- 大翔 Hiroto精一杯頑張ります。Seiippai ganbarimasu.I will do my absolute best.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
