出来る

§ What Does 出来る (Dekiru) Mean?

The Japanese verb 出来る (dekiru) is incredibly useful. It's often one of the first verbs you learn, and for good reason: it has several key meanings that are used constantly in everyday conversation. At its core, 出来る means 'to be able to,' 'to be completed,' or 'to be ready.'

Definition 1

To be able to; to be capable of (doing something).

This is probably the most common use of 出来る. It expresses ability or possibility. Think of it like the English 'can' or 'be able to.' When you want to say you can do something, or that something is possible, you'll use 出来る.

Definition 2

To be completed; to be finished; to be made.

Another common usage of 出来る is to indicate that something has been completed, finished, or produced. This is often used when talking about tasks, meals, or even new buildings or products. It implies that something has come into existence or reached its final state.

Definition 3

To be ready; to be prepared.

This meaning is closely related to 'to be completed.' It's often used in situations where you're waiting for something to be prepared or for a situation to be set. It implies a state of readiness.

§ When to Use 出来る (Dekiru)

You'll find yourself using 出来る in many different contexts. Here's a breakdown of common situations:

• Expressing personal abilities: This is probably the most frequent use for beginners. If you want to say you can speak a language, play an instrument, or do a specific task, 出来る is your verb.
• Talking about possibility: When something is generally possible or feasible, 出来る can be used. For instance, 「ここでは写真が撮れます」 (Koko de wa shashin ga toremasu) – 'You can take pictures here.' (Note: in this case, the potential form of the verb 撮る (toru) is used, which is closely related to the idea of possibility that 出来る also conveys.)
• Announcing completion: When a task, a meal, or a project is done, you can use 出来る. It's a simple and effective way to communicate that something is finished.
• Confirming readiness: Especially in hospitality or service industries, you'll hear 出来る used to confirm that something is ready for a customer, like a meal or an order.
• Describing creation or formation: When new things are built, created, or formed, 出来る is often used. This applies to buildings, new products, or even new ideas coming into being.

Mastering 出来る will significantly boost your ability to communicate in Japanese. Pay attention to the particle が (ga) when expressing ability, and listen for how native speakers use it in different contexts. It's a cornerstone verb that you'll use constantly, so practice using it in various sentences.

§ Understanding '出来る' (dekiru)

Alright, let's break down '出来る' (dekiru). This is a really common and useful verb in Japanese. You'll hear it a lot, and you'll want to use it a lot too. At its core, '出来る' means 'to be able to' or 'can'. But it's not just about ability. It also covers things like something being completed or something becoming ready. Think of it as a versatile Swiss Army knife for these kinds of situations.

§ Expressing Ability: 'Can Do'

This is probably the most common way you'll use '出来る'. When you want to say you can do something, or someone else can, this is your go-to verb. It often pairs with a noun followed by the particle 'が' (ga) or sometimes a verb in its dictionary form followed by 'こと が 出来る' (koto ga dekiru).

Grammar Point

Noun + が + 出来る (ga + dekiru)

This structure is for expressing the ability to do a specific action that can be represented by a noun, or a skill.

Grammar Point

Verb (dictionary form) + こと が 出来る (koto ga dekiru)

This structure is more general for expressing the ability to perform any verb action. 'こと' (koto) here nominalizes the verb, turning the action into a concept that '出来る' can act upon.

§ Indicating Completion or Readiness

Beyond just 'can', '出来る' is also used to say something is finished, completed, or ready. This is super handy for talking about projects, meals, or when something is generally 'done'.

Here, '出来ました' (dekimashita) in the past tense shows that the action of preparing the meal has been completed. It's ready to be eaten.

In this example, '出来ます' (dekiru) indicates that the construction of the station will be finished. It will 'become' a station.

§ Formation or Creation

'出来る' can also mean something comes into existence or is formed. This is less about human ability and more about natural occurrence or creation.

Here, '出来た' (dekita) in the past tense signifies that the building has been established or created at that location.

§ Common Phrases and Structures with '出来る'

• ～が出来る (～ ga dekiru): As we've seen, this is the most fundamental way to express ability or completion. The particle 'が' marks the subject that has the ability or the thing that is completed/formed.

• ～ことは出来る (～ koto wa dekiru): Adding 'は' (wa) after 'こと が 出来る' can put emphasis on the ability, sometimes implying a contrast or a limitation. For example, 「日本語は話せるけど、書くことは出来ない」(Nihongo wa hanaseru kedo, kaku koto wa dekinai - I can speak Japanese, but I can't write it.)

• 出来るだけ (dekiru dake): This is a super useful phrase meaning 'as much as possible' or 'as soon as possible'.

• 出来る限り (dekiru kagiri): Similar to '出来るだけ', this also means 'to the best of one's ability' or 'as much as possible'. It often implies a more strenuous effort.

§ Where you actually hear this word — work, school, news

Alright, let's get practical. You're learning Japanese to use it, right? So let's look at where you'll actually encounter 出来る (dekiru) in real life. This isn't just a textbook word; it's everywhere.

§ At Work: "Can you do it?" or "Is it ready?"

In a work setting, 出来る (dekiru) is incredibly common. It's used for capabilities, task completion, and readiness. It's a key verb for professional communication.

Definition: To be able to (skill/capability)

This is about your personal ability to perform a task. Someone might ask if you can do something, or you might state your own capability.

Translation hint: Can you speak Japanese?

Definition: To be completed (task/project)

Here, it refers to a task reaching its completion. It's not about *who* did it, but that *it* is done.

Translation hint: When will the report be finished?

Definition: To be ready (for use/delivery)

This usage often comes up when something is prepared or made available. Think about ordering food or waiting for a product.

Translation hint: The coffee is ready.

§ At School: Grades, Projects, and Understanding

Students and teachers use 出来る (dekiru) constantly. It's about academic performance, project completion, and comprehension.

• Test results: 「いい点が出来た」 (Ii ten ga dekita) - I got a good score. (Literally: a good score was made/came about)
• Homework: 「宿題がまだ出来ていません」 (Shukudai ga mada dekite imasen) - My homework isn't finished yet.
• Understanding: 「この問題、出来ますか？」 (Kono mondai, dekiru ka?) - Can you do this problem? / Do you understand this problem?

The last example is super common. When a teacher asks if you can "do" a problem, they're really asking if you understand how to solve it.

Translation hint: Can you write/read this kanji yet?

§ In the News: Developments and Progress

In news reports, 出来る (dekiru) often appears when talking about new developments, construction, or progress on various fronts. It conveys the idea of something being brought into existence or becoming possible.

Definition: To be established/built (new structures/systems)

When a new building, system, or organization is created.

Translation hint: A new station will be built/completed next year.

Definition: To become possible/to arise (situations/events)

This is used for circumstances or situations that come into being or become feasible.

Translation hint: A system where cooperation is possible during a disaster.

§ Understanding 出来る (Dekiru)

The Japanese verb 出来る (できる – dekiru) is very common. It means 'to be able to,' 'to be completed,' or 'to be ready.' It's an A2 level word, so you'll hear and use it a lot as you progress in Japanese.

Let's break down its main uses and then look at similar words. Knowing when to use 出来る and when to choose an alternative will make your Japanese sound more natural.

§ 出来る for Ability

This is probably the most common use of 出来る. It expresses the ability to do something. When used this way, it often follows a verb in its dictionary form plus ことが (koto ga) or directly follows a noun with が (ga).

§ 出来る for Completion or Readiness

出来る can also mean something is finished, completed, or ready. This is often used for things being made or prepared.

§ Similar Words and When to Use Them

While 出来る is versatile, other words can express similar meanings, sometimes with subtle differences. Knowing these will help you choose the best word.

• 可能 (kanou) / 可能な (kanou na): This is an adjective meaning 'possible.' While 出来る means 'can do,' 可能 expresses possibility in a more general or theoretical sense. You often use it with です (desu) or だ (da).

  DEFINITION

  Possible.

  それは可能です。

  You wouldn't typically say "私は可能だ" (I am possible) to mean "I can do it." Instead, you'd use 出来る.

• 〜られる / 〜える (rareru / ereru): This is the potential form of verbs. It directly expresses the ability to perform an action. For example, 食べる (taberu – to eat) becomes 食べられる (taberareru – to be able to eat). 話す (hanasu – to speak) becomes 話せる (hanaseru – to be able to speak).

  DEFINITION

  Potential form of verbs; to be able to [verb].

  漢字が読めます。

  So, when do you use 出来る vs. the potential form? Often, they are interchangeable, especially for simple abilities. However, 出来る can feel a bit more general, while the potential form is directly tied to the action of the specific verb.

  EXAMPLE

  Both 日本語が話せます (Nihongo ga hanasemasu) and 日本語を話すことができます (Nihongo o hanasu koto ga dekimasu) mean "I can speak Japanese." The former is often more concise and commonly used.

• 完成する (kansei suru) / 完了する (kanryou suru): These verbs specifically mean 'to complete' or 'to finish.' While 出来る can imply completion, 完成する and 完了する are more formal and directly state that something has reached its final state.

  DEFINITION

  To complete, to finish (more formal than 出来る).

  プロジェクトが完成しました。

  You might use 出来る for a meal being ready, but for a large project or a formal task, 完成する or 完了する would be more appropriate.

§ Key Takeaways for 出来る

• Use 出来る for general ability or possibility (e.g., 'I can do it,' 'It can be done').

• Use 出来る when something is ready or completed (e.g., 'The food is ready').

• For direct verbal ability, the potential form (〜られる/〜える) is often more concise and natural.

• For formal completion of tasks or projects, consider 完成する or 完了する.

Mastering 出来る and its alternatives will greatly enhance your ability to express yourself clearly in Japanese. Keep practicing these different usages!