N4 · Structured courses

Potential Form: Can, Be Able To

Learn the potential form of verbs to express ability or possibility. This lesson combines form, context, examples, common mistakes, and practice so you can use the pattern in real communication.

12 minNihongo Hub Editorial TeamPublished 2026-06-06Updated 2026-06-06

Learning objectives

  • Lesson goals: Learn the potential form of verbs to express ability or possibility.
  • Form and connection: [Verb可能形]
  • Nuance in real use: The potential form upgrades you from "I did X" to "I can do X" — a grammatical shift marking the psychological leap from passive recipient to active agent.

Form and connection

[Verb可能形]

Core Explanation

Learn the potential form of verbs to express ability or possibility.

Cultural Note

The potential form upgrades you from "I did X" to "I can do X" — a grammatical shift marking the psychological leap from passive recipient to active agent.

Practical examples

I can speak Japanese.
I can't wake up early tomorrow.
This fish can be eaten raw.

Common pitfalls

Build the base form before adding the pattern

Complete the required conjugation first. Do not keep polite and plain endings at the same time.

Match politeness to the situation

The examples are reliable starting points; relationships and context can still change the most natural wording.

Practice and answers

1. Write the connection formula for this lesson.
Show answer[Verb可能形]
2. Explain the meaning of the first example.
Show answerI can speak Japanese.
3. Rewrite the final example using this lesson pattern.
Show answerこの魚さかなは生なまで食たべられます。 ([Verb可能形])

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