Japanese JLPT Grammar Point
Noun が できます (Noun ga dekimasu)

Noun が できます (Noun ga dekimasu)

Short explanation:

Express the ability to do something.

Formation:

Noun + が + できます

Examples:

英語ができます。
Eigo ga dekimasu.
I can speak English.
料理ができます。
Ryouri ga dekimasu.
I can cook.
彼は泳ぎができます。
Kare wa oyogi ga dekimasu.
He can swim.
彼女はピアノができます。
Kanojo wa piano ga dekimasu.
She can play the piano.

Long explanation:

The Noun が できます grammar point is used to express the ability to do something. In this grammar pattern, the noun is the activity that the speaker or subject can do. It translates as 'can do' or 'able to do' in English.

Detailed Grammar notes:

Processing keyword: Noun が できます (Noun ga dekimasu)

Japanese Grammar Point: Noun が できます (Noun ga dekimasu)

Noun が できます (Noun ga dekimasu)

1. Introduction

The grammar point Nounができます is used to express the ability to do something or the possibility of something being done. In English, it can be translated as "can" or "is possible."

2. Core Grammar Explanation

Detailed Explanation

  • Structure: The structure consists of a noun followed by the particle が (ga) and the verb できます (dekimasu), which means "to be able to" or "to become possible."
  • Formation diagram:
Noun + が + できます

Meaning

  • Noun: Refers to the subject that can do something.
  • : This particle indicates the subject of the verb.
  • できます: The potential form of the verb する (suru), meaning "to do." This construction indicates that the subject is capable of doing the action related to the noun.

3. Comparative Analysis

Nounができます is similar to Nounをする (Noun o suru), which means to do a specific action related to a noun. However, Nounができます focuses on the ability or possibility, while Nounをする indicates actual performance of that action.

Grammar Point Meaning Usage
Nounができます Can do (subject) Ability or possibility
Nounをする To do (object) Performing the action

4. Examples in Context

Sentence Examples

  • Formal: 日本語ができます。
    (Nihongo ga dekimasu.)
    "I can speak Japanese."
  • Informal: 料理ができるよ!
    (Ryouri ga dekiru yo!)
    "I can cook!"
  • Written: この問題は簡単なので、解けます。
    (Kono mondai wa kantan na node, tokemasu.)
    "This problem is easy, so I can solve it."
  • Spoken: ギターができる?
    (Gitaa ga dekiru?)
    "Can you play the guitar?"

5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

In Japanese culture, expressing abilities politely is often essential, especially in formal situations. Using できます is a polite way to indicate one's skills or potential.

Idiomatic Expressions

  • スピーチができます (supīchi ga dekimasu): "I can give a speech."
  • 運転ができます (unten ga dekimasu): "I can drive."

6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

  • Confusing with other verbs: Do not confuse できます with simple する. Remember that できます refers to capability.
  • Particle usage: Use が (ga) specifically with できます. Using を (o) instead is incorrect.

Learning Strategies

  • Mnemonic Devices: Remember “できます” with “do-able” as they both express the idea of ability.

7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

  • Nounができます expresses ability or possibility.
  • It is formed with a noun followed by が and できます.
  • Different from Nounをする, which denotes action rather than potential.

Quick Recap Quiz

  1. What does Nounができます mean in English?
  2. Can you write a sentence using Nounができます?
  3. What is the difference between Nounができます and Nounをする?
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