N4117/160

ことができる

Verb (dictionary form) + ことができる

Meanings

  • to be able to do
  • can do
  • have the ability to

About this pattern

Explanation

ことができる expresses ability or possibility. It is used to say that someone is capable of performing an action, often in a neutral or polite way. It can refer to personal ability, or general possibility in a given situation. It tends to be used with verbs in their dictionary form (the plain form without ます or ない). It is common in everyday speech and writing for stating what someone can do, or what is possible under certain conditions.