できます
dekimasu
The English phrase "I can" is translated into Japanese as できます (dekimasu).
できます is used to state that one has the ability or permission to do something, or to express that something is possible. Depending on the context, it can also mean that something has been completed.
Which one should you use?
While できます is often translated as "I can," it can also mean "it is possible" or "it is completed" depending on the context. When you want to express the ability to do a specific noun-based activity, you should use the particle が instead of を.
How does it change in a sentence?
When expressing the ability to do a specific noun-based activity, the particle が is used with できます instead of を. For example, you would say スキーができます (I can ski) rather than using the object particle を.
How do you pronounce it?
dekimasu
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid using the particle を with できます (e.g., をできます). Instead, use the particle が to indicate the object of your ability.
Did you know?
- In Japanese, できます can describe a child being born or a romantic relationship starting, as both are seen as something that 'became possible' or 'formed'.
- The verb root of できます comes from the verb できる, which can mean 'to emerge' or 'to appear'. This explains why it is used when something like a building or a meal 'appears' or becomes ready.
- In a professional setting, the humble form できかねます is used instead of できません to politely express that something is impossible, literally suggesting the speaker 'cannot manage' to do it.
Examples in context
- はい。できます。Yes, I can.This sentence is useful for a simple affirmative response.Tatoeba #10735480 by small_snow, translation #35568 by AlanF_US
- スキーができます。I can ski.This sentence is useful for stating a specific ability.Tatoeba #215019 by bunbuku, translation #52315 by CK
- 私は車を運転できます。I can drive a car.This sentence is useful for stating the ability to drive a car.Tatoeba #156136 by bunbuku, translation #505158 by minshirui
- 日本語ができますI can speak Japanese.
- 泳げますI can swim.
- 料理ができるI can cook.
- 走れるI can run.
- 32 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Kenta and Himari are talking about cooking at home.
- 陽葵 Himariカレーは作れますか？Karee wa tsukuremasu ka?Can you make curry?
- 健太 Kentaはい、できます。Hai, dekimasu.Yes, I can.
- 陽葵 Himariすごいですね！Sugoi desu ne!That's amazing!
- 健太 Kenta料理は得意です。Ryouri wa tokui desu.I am good at cooking.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
