Dekiru [出来る] - How to Say "You Are Capable" in Japanese

In today's article, we will explore the Japanese verb dekiru (出来る). Although many may already have some familiarity with it, here we will provide practical examples and information that will help you fully master its use in daily life.

The verb dekiru means "to be able," "to manage," or expresses the idea of the possibility of doing something. Think of it as a way of saying "can" or "cannot" in Japanese. Like other verbs in the language, dekiru has its own conjugations and nuances, which we will explain throughout the article.

Structure and Conjugation of Dekiru

The verb dekiru is often used in a construction called "koto ga dekiru" (ことができる), which makes sentences more specific by emphasizing the action that someone can or cannot perform. However, it can also be used independently, depending on the speaker's intention.

Conjugation of Dekiru

The dekiru behaves like a verb of the ichidan class (group of verbs that end in -eru) and is conjugated in a fairly straightforward manner. Here are some of the most common conjugations:

• Informal form: 出来る (dekiru)
• Negative form: 出来ない (dekinai), which means "not being able to" or "not being able to achieve".
• Formal way/ formal form: It can be done (出来ます - dekimasu), which is used in more polite contexts.
• Formal negative form:出来ません (dekimasen), equivalent to "I cannot" or "I am not able to".

Additionally, dekiru can also appear in the potential form of other verbs, where the ending -eru or -rareru is used to indicate ability. This provides an alternative to using koto ga dekiru.

See below a complete table of the verb forms of Dekiru:

Form	Japanese	Romaji
Dictionary	出来る	dekiru
polished	出来ます	can do
Negative	出来ない	dekinai
polished negative	出来ません	I cannot.
Past	出来なかった	dekinakatta
past tense	出来ませんでした	I could not do it.
Passive	出来られる	able to do
polished passive	出来られます	dekiraremasu
Causative	出来させる	dekisaseru

Examples of使用 of デキる

Now let's look at various examples of how you can use [できる] in everyday life:

1. Expressing Ability

If you want to talk about your ability or someone else's ability to perform a task, dekiru is the perfect verb.

私たちは泳ぐことができる 
Watashitachi wa oyogu koto ga dekiru

Translation: We can swim.

彼女はピアノができる 
Kanojo wa piano ga dekiru

Translation: She knows how to play the piano.

Observation: In the second example, the object piano is directly followed by ga dekiru, which emphasizes the ability.

2. Talking About Possibility

Dekiru is useful when you want to talk about the possibility of something happening.

この料理は30分で出来る 
Kono ryōri wa sanjūpun de dekiru

Translation: This food can be made in 30 minutes.

ここで写真を撮ることができる 
Koko de shashin o toru koto ga dekiru

Translation: It is possible to take photos here.

Observation: The verb dekiru helps convey that the action is possible, whether due to favorable conditions or because there is permission for it.

3. Comparing Dekiru with Other Verbs

It is important not to confuse dekiru with other verbs like kanau (叶う), which means "to realize" or "to be realized," especially in contexts of wishes. Dekiru, however, focuses more on practical ability or possibility.

Dekiru is neutral in terms of formality, but if the context requires more politeness, use dekimasu.

4. Asking for Permission with Dekiru

You can use the verb to ask questions and request permission:

これ, 試着できますか? 
Kore shichaku dekimasuka?

Translation: Can I try?

5. More Formal Phrases

Add ことができる to make the sentence more polite:

この漢字を読むことができます 
Kono kanji o yomu koto ga dekimasu

Translation: I can read this kanji.

6. Other example sentences

Let's finish with a few more usage examples:

彼は運転することができる 
Kare wa unten suru koto ga dekiru

Translation: He is capable of driving.

週末は公園に行くことができる 
Shūmatsu wa kōen ni iku koto ga dekiru

Translation: On the weekend, it is possible to go to the park.

この本は簡単に読むことができる 
Kono hon wa kantan ni yomu koto ga dekiru

Translation: This book is easy to read.

勉強ができる 
Benkyō ga dekiru

Translation: I am capable of studying.

こんなうるさいところでは勉強ができません 
Kon'na urusai tokorode wa benkyō ga dekimasen

Translation: I can't study in such a noisy place.

Tips for Memorizing the Use of デキル

Here are some tips that can help you remember when and how to use dekiru:

Visual Associations: Try to visualize situations where you need or can do something. For example, imagine someone trying to ride a bicycle and say the phrase:

私は自転車に乗ることができる 
Watashi wa jitensha ni noru koto ga dekiru

Translation: I can ride a bicycle.

Substitution Exercises: Take sentences you already know and replace the main verb to practice dekiru. This helps reinforce the concept of ability and possibility.

Daily Practice: Use dekiru in your daily sentences, like: "Today I can study" or "Tomorrow I can go out with friends."

Wrapping Up

Of course there are many other principles behind the verb 出来る, such as saying that something was good or bad, for example: 出来が悪い. (dekigawarui) I was bad, I did poorly (in something). You just need to know the verbal and grammatical functions of Japanese, and you will automatically discover new things with できる.

Mastering the use of dekiru is essential for communicating clearly and accurately in Japanese. It is a verb that not only expresses ability but also possibility, making it indispensable in various situations. With practice and attention to detail, you will soon be using dekiru like a native speaker!