何かできる
nanika dekiru
In Japanese, 'I can do something' is expressed as 何かできる (nanika dekiru).
This phrase is used to state that you have the ability or capacity to perform a certain action.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of 何か (something) and できる (can do/is able to do).
How does it change in a sentence?
The dictionary form 何かできる is used in casual conversation with friends or family.
How do you pronounce it?
nanika dekiru
Did you know?
- While できる means 'can do', it is also the word used to describe a baby being conceived or a building being completed. In these contexts, it means something has 'come into existence'.
- While できる means 'can do', using it to describe your own skills can sometimes sound unintentionally boastful or arrogant to Japanese listeners. It is often more polite to use more humble or indirect phrasing when describing your abilities to a superior.
- In slang, できる can be used to describe someone who is 'capable' or 'competent' as a personality trait. A できる人 is a 'go-getter' or someone who is highly efficient at their job.
Examples in context
- 私は日本語が できます 。I can speak Japanese.
- プレゼンテーションが できます 。I can do presentations.
- 日本語のレッスンを することができます 。I can give Japanese lessons.
- データを分析 することができます 。I can analyze data.
- 料理が できるよ 。I can cook.
- 何かできることがありますか？Nanika dekiru koto ga arimasu ka?Is there something I can do?
Example conversation
A busy kitchen where Misaki is preparing for a party.
- 美咲 Misaki準備が大変そうですね。Junbi ga taihen sou desu ne.The preparations look difficult.
- 蓮 Renはい、とても忙しいです。Hai, totemo isogashii desu.Yes, it is very busy.
- 美咲 Misaki私に何かできることはありますか？Watashi ni nanika dekiru koto wa arimasu ka?Is there anything I can do?
- 蓮 Renでは、野菜を切ってもらえますか？Dewa, yasai o kitte moraemasu ka?In that case, could you cut the vegetables?
