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 everyday 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 to say “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.
Table of Contents
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
dekiru behaves like an ichidan verb (group of verbs that end in -eru) and is conjugated quite directly. Here are some of the most common conjugations:
- Informal form: 出来る (dekiru)
- Negative form: 出来ない (dekinai), which means “not able” or “cannot.”
- Formal form: 出来ます (dekimasu), which is used in more polite contexts.
- Negative formal form: 出来ません (dekimasen), equivalent to “I cannot” or “I am not able.”
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 |
| Polite | 出来ます | dekimasu |
| Negative | 出来ない | dekinai |
| Polite negative | 出来ません | dekimasen |
| Past | 出来なかった | dekinakatta |
| Polite past | 出来ませんでした | dekimasendeshita |
| Passive | 出来られる | dekirareru |
| Polite passive | 出来られます | dekiraremasu |
| Causative | 出来させる | dekisaseru |
Examples of Dekiru Usage
Now let’s see several 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 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 can play the piano.
Note: 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 dish 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.
Note: 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 fulfill” or “to be fulfilled,” especially in contexts of wishes. However, dekiru 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 this on?
5. More Formal Sentences
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 am able to read this kanji.
6. Other Example Sentences
Let’s finish with a few more examples of usage:
彼は運転することができる
Kare wa unten suru koto ga dekiru
Translation: He is able to drive.
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 able to study.
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 cannot study in such a noisy place.
Tips for Memorizing the Use of Dekiru
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 sentence:
私は自転車に乗ることができる
Watashi wa jitensha ni noru koto ga dekiru
Translation: I am able to 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 everyday sentences, such as: “Today I can study,” or “Tomorrow I can go out with friends.”
Conclusion
Of course, there are many other principles within the verb 出来る, such as saying that one did well or poorly at something, for example: 出来が悪い. (dekigawarui) I did poorly (at 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!
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