目錄
The Japanese potential form changes a verb into a form meaning “can do” or “cannot do.” “話す” becomes “話せる,” meaning “can speak,” while “行く” becomes “行ける,” meaning “can go.”
The more difficult part is that the English word “can” may refer to ability, circumstances, or permission, while Japanese does not express all three through the potential form. “カードが使える” and “入ってもいい” can both be translated as “can,” but they are asking completely different questions.
The conjugation rules are fixed. What matters most is determining whether the sentence is about ability, current circumstances, or permission.
What Is the Japanese Potential Form? Expressing Ability and Practical Possibility
The Japanese potential form changes an action into the meaning “have the ability to do,” “have the conditions to do,” or “be able to do under the current circumstances.”
“話す” simply means “to speak,” while “話せる” means “can speak.” “行く” means “to go,” while “行ける” means that going is possible.
For this reason, the potential form does not indicate whether the speaker wants to do something, nor does it necessarily indicate whether someone else gives permission.
For example, “明日は行けません” simply means that the speaker cannot go tomorrow because of time, transportation, or another condition. It does not mean they do not want to go. “この部屋ではWi-Fiが使えます” means the room provides the conditions necessary to use Wi-Fi.
- Example: 日本語が少し話せます。
Kana: にほんごがすこしはなせます。
Translation: I can speak a little Japanese.
“話す” becomes “話せる,” expressing the ability to speak Japanese. - Example: このホテルでは無料Wi-Fiが使えます。
Kana: このホテルではむりょうワイファイがつかえます。
Translation: Free Wi-Fi is available at this hotel.
The sentence is not about whether the user knows how to operate Wi-Fi. It describes the facilities and services available at the hotel. - Example: 明日は予定があるので、参加できません。
Kana: あしたはよていがあるので、さんかできません。
Translation: I already have plans tomorrow, so I can’t participate.
“参加できない” means that the speaker’s schedule makes participation impossible. It is different from “参加したくない,” meaning “I don’t want to participate.”
Japanese Potential Form Conjugation: Godan, Ichidan, “する,” and “来る”
To form the Japanese potential, first determine whether the original verb is a godan verb, an ichidan verb, or one of the irregular verbs “する” and “来る.”
After a verb becomes a potential form, most potential verbs conjugate like ichidan verbs. For example, “話せる→話せない→話せます.”
| Verb Type | Potential Form Rule | Dictionary Form | Potential Form | Negative |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Godan | Move final kana to the e-row＋る | 書く | 書ける | 書けない |
| Godan | Move final kana to the e-row＋る | 話す | 話せる | 話せない |
| Godan | Move final kana to the e-row＋る | 飲む | 飲める | 飲めない |
| Godan | Move final kana to the e-row＋る | 買う | 買える | 買えない |
| Ichidan | Drop「る」＋られる | 食べる | 食べられる | 食べられない |
| Ichidan | Drop「る」＋られる | 見る | 見られる | 見られない |
| Irregular | Fixed form | する | できる | できない |
| Irregular | Fixed form | 来る | 来られる | 来られない |
Godan Potential Form｜Change the Final U-Row Sound to the E-Row and Add “る”
The godan potential pattern is easy to understand through the kana chart.
The final “く” in “書く” moves to the corresponding e-row sound “け,” and then “る” is added, producing “書ける.” Likewise, “飲む” changes from “む” to “める,” producing “飲める.”
Common changes include:
| Dictionary Form | Potential Form | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 会う | 会える | Can meet |
| 書く | 書ける | Can write |
| 泳ぐ | 泳げる | Can swim |
| 話す | 話せる | Can speak |
| 待つ | 待てる | Can wait |
| 死ぬ | 死ねる | Can die |
| 遊ぶ | 遊べる | Can play |
| 飲む | 飲める | Can drink |
| 帰る | 帰れる | Can return |
- Example: このペンなら、小さい字も書けます。
Kana: このペンなら、ちいさいじもかけます。
Translation: With this pen, I can even write small characters.
“書く→書ける.” The sentence indicates that the tool makes the writing possible. - Example: 今日は早く帰れます。
Kana: きょうははやくかえれます。
Translation: I can leave early today.
“帰る” is a godan verb. The final “る” changes to “れ,” and another “る” is added, producing “帰れる.” - Example: 駅まで歩けますか。
Kana: えきまであるけますか。
Translation: Can you walk to the station?
“歩く→歩ける.” Depending on the context, the question may concern physical stamina, distance, or whether the current circumstances make walking practical.
Ichidan Potential Form｜Drop “る” and Add “られる”
The potential form of ichidan verbs is straightforward. Remove the final “る” from the dictionary form and add “られる.”
“食べる” becomes “食べられる,” and “見る” becomes “見られる.”
- Example: この店では朝から和食が食べられます。
Kana: このみせではあさからわしょくがたべられます。
Translation: You can eat Japanese food at this restaurant from the morning.
“食べる→食べられる.” Here, the potential refers to what the restaurant offers. - Example: この映画は来週からオンラインでも見られます。
Kana: このえいがはらいしゅうからオンラインでもみられます。
Translation: This movie will also be available to watch online starting next week.
“見る→見られる.” The time and platform conditions make viewing possible. - Example: 今日は忙しくて、ゆっくり寝られません。
Kana: きょうはいそがしくて、ゆっくりねられません。
Translation: I’m busy today, so I can’t get a proper sleep.
“寝る→寝られる.” The negative potential indicates that current circumstances prevent the action.
Potential Forms of “する／来る”｜How to Use “できる／来られる”
“する” does not follow the godan or ichidan rules. Its potential form is always “できる.”
For that reason, “予約する” becomes “予約できる,” and “参加する” becomes “参加できる.”
The potential form of “来る” is “来られる,” pronounced “こられる.”
- Example: スマホから予約できます。
Kana: スマホからよやくできます。
Translation: You can make a reservation from your smartphone.
The potential expression for “予約する” is “予約できる,” which is common in website and service descriptions. - Example: 来週なら参加できます。
Kana: らいしゅうならさんかできます。
Translation: I can participate if it’s next week.
“参加する→参加できる.” The sentence expresses that the timing works. - Example: 明日の会議に来られますか。
Kana: あしたのかいぎにこられますか。
Translation: Can you come to tomorrow’s meeting?
“来る→来られる.” The question asks whether the listener’s schedule or circumstances allow them to attend.
Three Common Uses of the Japanese Potential Form: Ability, Environmental Conditions, and Current Possibility
The same potential form can answer very different questions depending on the sentence.
“ピアノが弾ける” concerns a long-term ability. “ここで充電できる” describes facilities or environmental conditions. “今日は会える” simply means that today’s schedule makes meeting possible.
Potential Use ①｜Expressing an Existing Ability or Skill
When discussing languages, sports, musical instruments, driving, or professional skills, the potential form often expresses an ability a person possesses.
This kind of ability usually does not exist only today. It is something acquired through learning, practice, or experience.
- Example: 姉は英語と韓国語が話せます。
Kana: あねはえいごとかんこくごがはなせます。
Translation: My older sister can speak English and Korean.
“話せる” expresses language ability. It does not describe whether she is speaking at this particular moment. - Example: 田中さんは車が運転できます。
Kana: たなかさんはくるまがうんてんできます。
Translation: Mr. Tanaka can drive.
“運転できる” indicates driving ability. Whether he is currently driving is a separate issue. - Example: この漢字は読めますが、まだ書けません。
Kana: このかんじはよめますが、まだかけません。
Translation: I can read this kanji, but I still can’t write it.
Reading and writing are separate abilities, so a person can be able to “読める” while still being unable to “書けない.”
Potential Use ②｜Expressing Possibility Provided by Facilities, Services, or the Environment
Potential forms frequently appear in descriptions of hotels, stations, restaurants, websites, and Apps.
Here, the focus is not on whether a person possesses a particular skill. It is on whether a place or system provides the conditions required to perform an action.
For example, “この店ではカードが使えます” does not mean customers “know how to use credit cards.” It means the store accepts credit cards.
Similarly, “アプリから変更できます” does not test the user’s technical skill. It means the system provides a feature allowing changes.
- Example: この駅では無料Wi-Fiが使えます。
Kana: このえきではむりょうワイファイがつかえます。
Translation: Free Wi-Fi is available at this station.
“使える” describes the facilities and services available. - Example: アプリから予約を変更できます。
Kana: アプリからよやくをへんこうできます。
Translation: You can change your reservation through the App.
“変更できる” indicates that the system provides this functionality. - Example: この美術館では館内の一部で写真が撮れます。
Kana: このびじゅつかんではかんないのいちぶでしゃしんがとれます。
Translation: Photography is allowed in some areas of this museum.
In the context of facility information, “撮れる” means the environment allows photography and often overlaps naturally with the idea that the rules permit it.
Potential Use ③｜Expressing Whether Current Time, Physical Condition, or Other Circumstances Allow Something
The potential form is also commonly used for temporary possibility.
“明日は会える” does not mean someone permanently possesses the ability to meet another person. It simply means tomorrow’s schedule makes meeting possible.
Likewise, “今日は飲めない” might mean the speaker is taking medication rather than being physically incapable of drinking alcohol in general.
- Example: 午後三時以降なら電話できます。
Kana: ごごさんじいこうならでんわできます。
Translation: I can talk on the phone after 3 p.m.
“なら” limits the condition to a particular time, implying that other times may not work. - Example: 今日は薬を飲んでいるので、お酒は飲めません。
Kana: きょうはくすりをのんでいるので、おさけはのめません。
Translation: I’m taking medicine today, so I can’t drink alcohol.
“飲めない” does not indicate a lack of drinking ability. The speaker’s current physical and medical circumstances make drinking unsuitable. - Example: 急げば、まだ終電に間に合えます。
Kana: いそげば、まだしゅうでんにまにあえます。
Translation: If we hurry, we can still catch the last train.
“急げば” establishes the condition under which catching the final train remains possible.
Does the Japanese Potential Form Always Use “が”? The Practical Difference Between “が” and “を”
The object associated with a potential verb often takes “が,” but it is too simplistic to memorize a rule saying that “を must always change to が whenever a verb becomes potential.”
Expressions such as “日本語が話せる” and “ピアノが弾ける” are extremely typical, but modern Japanese also allows “を” in potential constructions, especially when the sentence continues to foreground the action itself.
For example, “英語が話せる” is the easiest basic pattern to teach and remember. In real conversation, however, forms such as “英語を話せる人” and “この曲を弾ける人” are also natural.
For beginners, becoming familiar with “が＋potential form” is useful, but “を” should not automatically be treated as grammatically incorrect.
“Potential Form＋が”｜The Most Common Basic Pattern for Ability
✅ 日本語が話せます。
I can speak Japanese.
✅ ピアノが弾けます。
I can play the piano.
In these sentences, “Japanese” and “piano” are treated as the objects with respect to which the ability exists, so “が” sounds very natural.
“を＋Potential Form” Is Also Possible｜Variation Between “が” and “を” in Modern Japanese
✅ 日本語を話せるスタッフがいます。
There are staff members who can speak Japanese.
✅ この曲を弾ける人を探しています。
We are looking for someone who can play this song.
For this reason, “potential form＝を must always become が” works as a beginner-friendly guideline, but it is not an absolute rule without exceptions.
What’s the Difference Between the Japanese Potential Form, “〜ことができる,” and “〜てもいい”?
The potential form and “dictionary-form verb＋ことができる” can both generally express the idea of “being able to do something.”
The main differences concern sentence length, register, and context.
The potential form is shorter and especially common in everyday conversation. “〜ことができる” is more structurally complete and frequently appears in regulations, websites, feature descriptions, and formal explanations.
| Point of Comparison | Potential Form | 〜ことができる | 〜てもいい |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic meaning | Can do／be able to | Be able to do | May do／be permitted |
| Main focus | Ability or practical possibility | Ability, functionality, institutional possibility | Permission |
| Register | Concise, everyday | Full form, more explanatory | Everyday requests and permission |
| Example | カードが使える | カードを利用することができる | 写真を撮ってもいい |
| Common English translation | Can, be able to | Can, be able to | May, can, be allowed to |
Potential Form vs. “〜ことができる”｜Everyday Expression vs. Full Explanatory Form
The two forms are interchangeable in many sentences with little difference in basic meaning, but everyday conversation usually prefers the shorter potential form.
✅ この店ではカードが使えます。
You can use a credit card at this store.
✅ この店ではカードを利用することができます。
Credit cards can be used at this store.
The first sounds more like something a staff member might say in ordinary conversation. The second sounds more like website copy, usage rules, or formal guidance.
Unless a particular register is required, everyday conversation does not need to expand every potential expression into “〜ことができる.”
Potential Form vs. “〜てもいい”｜Being Able to Do Something Is Not the Same as Being Allowed to Do It
The Japanese potential form is especially easy to confuse with the English word “can.”
In reality, “入れますか” and “入ってもいいですか” ask different questions.
✅ 今、入れますか。
Can I get in now?
This may ask whether the restaurant has space, whether the entrance is open, or whether entry is still possible at the current time.
✅ 今、入ってもいいですか。
May I come in now?
This asks for permission. The focus is whether the other person allows the action.
The potential form handles practical possibility. “〜てもいい” directly handles permission.
Is “撮れる” About Possibility or Permission? A Common Situation in Facility Japanese
In museums, tourist attractions, restaurants, and similar settings, “ここでは写真が撮れます” is naturally understood as “You can take photos here.”
In this context, practical possibility and rule-based permission overlap, so English will normally translate the sentence simply as “can.”
If you need to explicitly ask a staff member whether photography is permitted, “写真を撮ってもいいですか” is more direct.
Japanese “見える／見られる”: Natural Visibility vs. Having the Opportunity to Look
“見られる” is the potential form of “見る” and means that someone has the opportunity or conditions required to watch or see something intentionally.
“見える,” by contrast, is not the potential form of “見る.” It is an independent verb meaning that something naturally enters one’s field of vision.
For this reason, if Mount Fuji is naturally visible from a window, Japanese normally uses “富士山が見える.” If a movie is available to watch on Netflix, “見られる” is more appropriate.
“見える” Means Something Naturally Enters Your Field of Vision
✅ この部屋から海が見えます。
You can see the ocean from this room.
The ocean is naturally within view, so there is no need to deliberately perform the action “見る.” “見える” is therefore more natural.
✅ 晴れた日はここから富士山が見えます。
On clear days, you can see Mount Fuji from here.
Whether Mount Fuji is visible depends mainly on weather and location.
“見られる” Means There Is an Opportunity or Condition That Allows Viewing
✅ この映画は来月からNetflixで見られます。
This movie will be available to watch on Netflix starting next month.
The emphasis is on the platform and timing making the act of viewing possible.
✅ 京都では古い町家を見られる場所がいくつもあります。
There are several places in Kyoto where you can see traditional machiya townhouses.
The sentence refers to having an actual opportunity to go and view them.
“聞こえる” Is Also Not the Potential Form of “聞く”
Like “見える,” “聞こえる” means that a sound naturally reaches your ears.
✅ 隣の部屋から音楽が聞こえます。
I can hear music coming from the next room.
If you want to express that a program or piece of content is available to listen to, “聞ける” may be used depending on the context.
✅ この番組はインターネットでも聞けます。
You can also listen to this program online.
“見える／見られる” and “聞こえる／聞ける” may all translate into English as “can see” or “can hear,” but Japanese distinguishes between natural perception and whether an intentional action is possible.
How Do You Interpret “見られる”? Potential, Passive, and Honorific Uses
One difficult feature of ichidan verbs ending in “〜られる” is that the potential, passive, and certain honorific forms can look exactly the same.
After “見る” becomes “見られる,” whether it means “can watch,” “be seen,” or “a respected person watches” can only be determined from particles and context.
| Sentence | Function of 見られる | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| この映画はネットで見られる | Potential | This movie can be watched online |
| 日記を母に見られた | Passive | My mother saw my diary |
| 先生もこの映画を見られました | Honorific | The teacher also watched this movie |
When Time, Location, or Platform Conditions Appear, It Is Often the Potential Form
✅ この展示は午後五時まで見られます。
This exhibition can be viewed until 5 p.m.
“午後五時まで” limits the time during which viewing is possible, so this is the potential use.
When “Person＋に＋見られる” Appears, It Is Often Passive
✅ スマホの画面を友達に見られました。
My friend saw my phone screen.
“友達に” identifies the person who performed the act of seeing, so this is passive.
When the Subject Is Someone Who Requires Respect, It May Be Honorific
✅ 部長はもう資料を見られました。
The department manager has already looked at the documents.
Here, “見られる” may function as an honorific form of “見る.” In actual business Japanese, the less ambiguous “ご覧になる” is also commonly used.
What Is Japanese “ら抜き言葉”? Can You Say “食べれる” and “見れる”?
Under standard conjugation rules, the potential forms of ichidan verbs are “食べられる,” “見られる,” and “起きられる.”
However, everyday spoken Japanese frequently drops “ら,” producing forms such as “食べれる,” “見れる,” and “起きれる.” These are known as “ら抜き言葉.”
✅ Standard: この魚は生で食べられます。
This fish can be eaten raw.
△ Common in speech: この魚は生で食べれます。
The meaning is the same, and the form is common in everyday speech, but “食べられます” remains preferable in formal writing.
✅ Standard: ここから花火が見られます。
You can watch the fireworks from here.
△ Common in speech: ここから花火が見れます。
“見れる” is common in conversation, but formal writing generally favors “見られる.”
Practical Japanese Potential Forms for Travel: Credit Cards, Luggage Storage, and Entry
When traveling in Japan, the potential form frequently appears in questions such as “Can I pay by card?”, “Can I leave my luggage here?”, and “Can I still enter today?”
These sentences are usually not testing personal ability. They are checking whether the store, facilities, time, or rules make a particular action possible.
Scenario ①｜Asking About Payment Methods at a Restaurant
A：クレジットカードは使えますか。
クレジットカードはつかえますか。
Can I pay by credit card?
B：はい。VisaとMastercardが使えます。
はい。ビザとマスターカードがつかえます。
Yes. We accept Visa and Mastercard.
📌 Grammar Point: “使えますか” checks whether the restaurant’s payment system and rules support credit cards. It is not asking whether the customer knows how to use one.
Scenario ②｜Asking a Hotel About Luggage Storage
A：チェックアウトしたあとも、荷物を預けられますか。
チェックアウトしたあとも、にもつをあずけられますか。
Can I leave my luggage here after checking out?
B：はい。午後六時までお預かりできます。
はい。ごごろくじまでおあずかりできます。
Yes. We can keep it for you until 6 p.m.
📌 Grammar Point: “預けられますか” asks whether leaving luggage is possible. The hotel responds with the more polite service expression “お預かりできます.”
Scenario ③｜Checking the Final Entry Time
A：今からでも入れますか。
いまからでもはいれますか。
Can I still get in now?
B：はい。五時半まで入れます。
はい。ごじはんまではいれます。
Yes. You can enter until 5:30.
📌 Grammar Point: “入れる” asks whether the current time still satisfies the conditions for entry. If you need to ask whether you are permitted to enter a restricted area, “入ってもいいですか” is more precise.
Cultural Notes:
- Japanese shops and facilities frequently use “〜できます” in service descriptions. Expressions such as “予約できます,” “利用できます,” and “変更できます” explain what a system or service allows users to do, so when traveling, do not interpret every “できます” only as personal ability.
- “できません” is also commonly used to describe restrictions, as in “使用できません” and “入場できません.” This presents the restriction as an objective condition and is more suitable for notices and service information than a direct prohibitive command.
- When actual permission is required, the distinction between the potential form and “〜てもいい” remains important. If you want to know whether a restaurant still has room for entry, you can ask “入れますか.” If you want permission to enter a staff-only area, ask “入ってもいいですか.”
How Does the Japanese Potential Form Compare with Korean “-(으)ㄹ 수 있다／없다”?
Korean “-(으)ㄹ 수 있다／없다” and the Japanese potential form can both express whether an action is possible.
Korean uses “verb＋-(으)ㄹ 수 있다” for “can do” and “-(으)ㄹ 수 없다” for “cannot do.” Japanese instead changes the verb itself, as in “話す→話せる” and “食べる→食べられる.”
Both languages can express ability and environmental possibility, but permission is still a separate concept. Korean often uses “-아／어도 되다” to directly express permission, which is functionally close to Japanese “〜てもいい.”
◆ Similar Grammar ①: Korean “-(으)ㄹ 수 있다” for Ability
Korean “-(으)ㄹ 수 있다” can express the ability to complete an action. It commonly appears with languages, sports, driving, and other skills acquired through learning or practice.
This is very close to Japanese potential expressions such as “話せる,” “読める,” and “運転できる.”
- Example: 저는 일본어를 조금 말할 수 있어요.
Romanization: jeo-neun il-bon-eo-reul jo-geum mal-hal su i-sseo-yo.
Translation: I can speak a little Japanese.
“말할 수 있다” expresses the ability to speak Japanese and is close to Japanese “日本語が少し話せる.” - Example: 제 동생은 수영을 할 수 있어요.
Romanization: je dong-saeng-eun su-yeong-eul hal su i-sseo-yo.
Translation: My younger sibling can swim.
“수영을 할 수 있다” indicates an acquired ability to swim, like Japanese “泳げる.” It does not mean the person is swimming at this moment. - Example: 민수 씨는 운전할 수 있어요.
Romanization: min-su ssi-neun un-jeon-hal su i-sseo-yo.
Translation: Minsu can drive.
“운전할 수 있다” expresses driving ability and is similar to Japanese “運転できる.” Whether a car is currently available is a separate condition.
◆ Similar Grammar ②: Korean “-(으)ㄹ 수 있다” for Environmental or Situational Possibility
“-(으)ㄹ 수 있다” does not only express personal ability. It can also indicate that equipment, a location, a service, or timing makes an action possible.
Here, the focus is not whether someone knows how to perform the action, but whether external conditions make it possible. This is close to Japanese potential forms such as “使える,” “予約できる,” and “見られる.”
- Example: 이 앱에서 예약을 변경할 수 있어요.
Romanization: i aeb-e-seo ye-yak-eul byeon-gyeong-hal su i-sseo-yo.
Translation: You can change your reservation in this App.
This is not about personal skill. The App provides the functionality required to change the reservation, similar to Japanese “このアプリで予約を変更できます.” - Example: 이 호텔에서는 무료 와이파이를 사용할 수 있어요.
Romanization: i ho-tel-e-seo-neun mu-ryo wa-i-pa-i-reul sa-yong-hal su i-sseo-yo.
Translation: Free Wi-Fi is available at this hotel.
“사용할 수 있다” describes the facilities and services provided by the hotel and is close to Japanese “このホテルでは無料Wi-Fiが使えます.” - Example: 이 영화는 다음 주부터 온라인으로 볼 수 있어요.
Romanization: i yeong-hwa-neun da-eum ju-bu-teo on-ra-in-eu-ro bol su i-sseo-yo.
Translation: This movie will be available to watch online starting next week.
“볼 수 있다” means that time and platform conditions make viewing possible, similar to Japanese “この映画は来週からオンラインで見られます.”
◆ Similar Grammar ③: Korean “-(으)ㄹ 수 없다” for Being Unable to Do Something Under Current Conditions
Korean “-(으)ㄹ 수 없다” expresses that an action cannot be completed because of time, physical condition, equipment, or another circumstance.
This “cannot” does not necessarily mean a lack of ability, nor does it mean the person does not want to do it. It is close to negative Japanese potential forms such as “行けない,” “参加できない,” and “飲めない.”
- Example: 내일은 일이 있어서 참석할 수 없어요.
Romanization: nae-il-eun il-i i-sseo-seo cham-seok-hal su eop-seo-yo.
Translation: I have work tomorrow, so I can’t attend.
“참석할 수 없다” means the schedule makes attendance impossible, just like Japanese “明日は参加できません.” It does not mean the speaker does not want to participate. - Example: 오늘은 목이 아파서 오래 말할 수 없어요.
Romanization: o-neul-eun mok-i a-pa-seo o-rae mal-hal su eop-seo-yo.
Translation: My throat hurts today, so I can’t talk for very long.
The person may normally have no problem speaking. The temporary physical condition is what prevents extended speech, making this similar to the Japanese potential form used for current limitations. - Example: 배터리가 없어서 지금 전화할 수 없어요.
Romanization: bae-teo-ri-ga eop-seo-seo ji-geum jeon-hwa-hal su eop-seo-yo.
Translation: My battery is dead, so I can’t make a call right now.
“전화할 수 없다” does not mean the speaker does not know how to use a phone. The external condition—the lack of battery power—temporarily makes calling impossible, similar to Japanese “今は電話できません.”
◆ Core Difference from the Japanese Potential Form:
Japanese primarily creates forms such as “話せる,” “行ける,” and “食べられる” through verb conjugation. Korean instead attaches “-(으)ㄹ 수 있다／없다” to a verb.
Both languages can express ability and practical possibility.
When directly expressing permission, Japanese commonly uses “〜てもいい,” while Korean often uses “-아／어도 되다.”
For this reason, when English uses “can,” you still need to determine whether the intended meaning is “be able to do” or “be allowed to do.”
The Japanese potential form most commonly handles ability and practical possibility. Whether someone can speak a language, whether they can go tomorrow, and whether a store accepts credit cards can all be expressed through potential forms.
When permission from another person is required, expressions such as “〜てもいい” become more relevant.
With pairs such as “見える／見られる” and “聞こえる／聞ける,” you also need to distinguish between natural perception and whether an intentional action is possible.
As for “食べれる” and “見れる,” they are indeed common in everyday speech, but “食べられる” and “見られる” remain safer choices in formal writing and examinations.
FAQ
The potential form indicates that an action can be completed because the person has the ability or the necessary conditions. It is often translated as “can,” “be able to,” or “know how to.” For example, “日本語が話せる” means “can speak Japanese,” while “明日は行けない” means that circumstances prevent someone from going tomorrow. The potential form itself does not directly express desire or permission.
No. “日本語が話せる” and “ピアノが弾ける” are very typical ability expressions, so beginners are often taught to use “が” first. However, modern Japanese also allows natural expressions such as “日本語を話せる人” and “この曲を弾ける人.” The rule “potential forms can never use を” is therefore incomplete.
The standard form is “食べられる.” “食べれる” is a common example of “ら抜き言葉,” where “ら” is dropped. Forms such as “食べれる” and “見れる” are frequently heard in everyday conversation, but JLPT exams, school tests, business documents, and formal writing generally favor “食べられる” and “見られる.”
“見える” means that something naturally enters your field of vision, as in “窓から海が見える,” meaning “You can see the ocean from the window.” “見られる” is the potential form of “見る” and means there is an opportunity or condition allowing someone to view something, as in “この映画はネットで見られる,” meaning “This movie can be watched online.” The first concerns natural perception, while the second concerns whether intentional viewing is possible.
The potential form expresses whether something is possible, while “〜てもいい” expresses whether the action is permitted. “今、入れますか” asks whether entry is currently possible. “今、入ってもいいですか” asks whether the listener gives permission to enter. Both may be translated as “Can I…?” in English, but the grammatical focus is different.