B1 · Intermediate Chapter 2

Expressing Ability and Growth

6 Total Rules
61 examples
6 min
Rules in This Chapter Quick Practice

Chapter in 30 Seconds

Unlock your potential by learning how to express capabilities and personal growth in Japanese.

  • Transform standard verbs into their potential forms to express ability.
  • Master the subtle shift from 'wo' to 'ga' particles for natural phrasing.
  • Describe your personal progress and evolving skills using '～ようになる'.
Speak your potential: from what you can do to growth.

What You'll Learn

Ready to unlock a new level of Japanese fluency and express yourself like a native speaker? In this chapter, you'll master how to say 'I can' or 'I am able to do' and, even more importantly, describe how your skills have evolved and what new abilities you've gained over time. We'll start by transforming regular verbs into their potential forms: from U-verbs with their characteristic vowel shift (like 'u' to 'e' + 'ru'), to Ru-verbs by adding 'られる', and even tackling the irregular forms of 'する' and '来る' to express various possibilities. Then, we'll dive into a crucial nuance: using 'が' instead of 'を' when talking about abilities, which will make your Japanese sound incredibly natural and polished. For those moments when you need to express ability or possibility with a touch more formality, you'll learn the elegant 'koto ga dekiru' construction. And for describing personal growth – like finally being able to do something or developing a new habit – the versatile '～ようになる' will become your new best friend. Imagine saying, 'Now I can make sushi!' or 'I'm gradually becoming able to read kanji!' By the end of this chapter, you'll be able to confidently discuss your capabilities, articulate your progress over time, and truly feel how much your Japanese has advanced. Let's dive in and express your full potential!

Learning Objectives

By the end of this chapter, you will be able to:

  1. 1
    By the end you will be able to: Convert any verb into its potential form to describe what is possible.
  2. 2
    By the end you will be able to: Use the 'ga' particle correctly with potential verbs in conversation.
  3. 3
    By the end you will be able to: Describe a new skill you have recently acquired using '～ようになる'.

Chapter Guide

Overview

Welcome to this exciting chapter on expressing ability and growth in Japanese grammar B1! As you progress on your language journey, moving beyond basic phrases and into more nuanced expressions is key to sounding natural and confident. This chapter is designed to help you do just that. We'll dive deep into how to articulate what you can do and, perhaps even more importantly, how to describe your personal progress and new capabilities over time. This isn't just about learning new forms; it's about unlocking a whole new level of self-expression in Japanese.
Mastering these grammar patterns will significantly enhance your ability to participate in real-world conversations. Imagine confidently telling someone, "Now I can read most kanji!" or "I can finally cook Japanese food." These expressions are fundamental for anyone aiming for CEFR B1 Japanese proficiency, as they allow for richer, more personal communication. You'll learn the crucial difference between merely stating an ability and describing how you *became* able to do something, adding depth to your narratives.
By the end of this chapter, you'll have a robust toolkit to discuss your skills, acknowledge improvements, and share your learning journey in Japanese. This will not only make your conversations more engaging but also boost your confidence in using the language actively. Get ready to express your full potential and truly feel the advancement in your Japanese ability!

How This Grammar Works

Let's break down the essential grammar points that will empower you to express ability and growth. First, we tackle the Potential Form, which is how you say "can do" or "am able to do" with verbs. For U-verbs, you change the final -u sound to an -eru sound. For example, 話す (hanasu - to speak) becomes 話せる (hanaseru - can speak), and 書く (kaku - to write) becomes 書ける (kakeru - can write). This simple vowel shift is your first step to unlocking potential.
For Ru-verbs, the pattern is slightly different but equally straightforward. You drop the final -ru and add -られる (-rareru). So, 食べる (taberu - to eat) becomes 食べられる (taberareru - can eat), and 見る (miru - to see) becomes 見られる (mirareru - can see). There are also irregular verbs: する (suru - to do) transforms into できる (dekiru - can do), and 来る (kuru - to come) becomes 来られる (korareru - can come). Mastering these conjugations is fundamental for expressing ability in Japanese.
A crucial nuance often missed by learners is Mastering 'Can Do': Using が instead of を with potential forms. When a verb is in its potential form, the object that was previously marked by を (o) will usually be marked by が (ga) instead. For instance, instead of 日本語を話します (Nihongo o hanashimasu - I speak Japanese), you'd say 日本語が話せます (Nihongo ga hanasemasu - I can speak Japanese). This small change makes your Japanese sound much more natural.
For a more formal or general way to express ability or possibility, you can use the Formal Ability: Using 'Koto Ga Dekiru' construction. This involves taking a verb in its plain form, adding こと (koto - thing/fact), and then ができる (ga dekiru - can do). For example, 漢字を読むことができます (Kanji o yomu koto ga dekimasu - I can read kanji). This structure is versatile and can be used even when the verb itself doesn't directly take an object with を.
Finally, to express growth or the process of *becoming* able to do something, we use Becoming able to do something (～ようになる). This pattern, attached to the plain form of a verb (or potential form), indicates a change in state or ability over time. For example, 日本語が話せるようになりました (Nihongo ga hanaseru you ni narimashita - I have become able to speak Japanese). This highlights the journey and development, making it perfect for describing your progress!

Common Mistakes

  1. 1✗ Wrong: 私は日本語を話せます。
✓ Correct: 私は日本語が話せます。 (Watashi wa Nihongo ga hanasemasu.)
*Explanation:* When using a potential verb, the object of the verb typically changes from を (o) to が (ga). While を is sometimes heard informally, が is the standard and most natural particle for potential forms.
  1. 1✗ Wrong: 食べるる (taberuru)
✓ Correct: 食べられる (taberareru)
*Explanation:* A common mistake is misconjugating Ru-verbs into their potential form. Remember, for Ru-verbs, you drop the -ru and add -られる (-rareru), not just add another -ru.
  1. 1✗ Wrong: 泳げる。 (Oyogeru. - I can swim.) (When you want to say you *became* able to swim)
✓ Correct: 泳げるようになりました。 (Oyogeru you ni narimashita. - I have become able to swim.)
*Explanation:* While 泳げる correctly states "I can swim," if you want to express the *process* or *change* of gaining that ability, ～ようになる is essential. It highlights that this is a new capability you've developed over time.

Real Conversations

A

A

日本語、話せますか？ (Nihongo, hanasemasu ka? - Can you speak Japanese?)
B

B

はい、少し話せます。漢字も少し読めますよ。 (Hai, sukoshi hanasemasu. Kanji mo sukoshi yomemasu yo. - Yes, I can speak a little. I can read some kanji too.)
A

A

最近、料理をするようになりましたか？ (Saikin, ryouri o suru you ni narimashita ka? - Have you started being able to cook recently?)
B

B

ええ、一人暮らしを始めてから、自分でご飯が作れるようになりました。 (Ee, hitorigurashi o hajimete kara, jibun de gohan ga tsukureru you ni narimashita. - Yes, since I started living alone, I've become able to cook my own meals.)
A

A

この美術館では、写真撮影をすることができますか？ (Kono bijutsukan de wa, shashin satsuei o suru koto ga dekimasu ka? - Is it possible to take photos in this museum?)
B

B

いいえ、残念ながら、ここでは写真撮影をすることができません。 (Iie, zannen nagara, koko de wa shashin satsuei o suru koto ga dekimasen. - No, unfortunately, you cannot take photos here.)

Quick FAQ

Q

What's the main difference between using the potential form (e.g., 話せる) and ～ことができる (e.g., 話すことができる)?

The potential form expresses inherent personal ability or capability (e.g., "I can speak"). ～ことができる is broader; it can express personal ability but also general possibility or permission (e.g., "It is possible to speak" or "You are allowed to speak"). It's often used in more formal contexts or when the verb is already transitive.

Q

Why do we use が instead of を with potential verbs in Japanese grammar?

When a verb becomes potential, it shifts focus from the *action* done to the *object* itself, emphasizing its "potential-ness." The object becomes the subject of the potential ability, hence the use of が to mark it.

Q

Can ～ようになる be used for things other than personal ability or growth?

Yes! While often used for personal development, ～ようになる can also describe general changes or developments in situations or states. For example, 寒くなる (samuku naru - to become cold) could become 寒くなるようになりました (samuku naru you ni narimashita - it has become cold).

Q

How do I express that I *used* to be able to do something but can't anymore?

You would use the past tense of the potential form, often combined with ～なくなった to emphasize the cessation of ability. For example, 昔は泳げましたが、今は泳げなくなりました (Mukashi wa oyogemashita ga, ima wa oyogenaku narimashita - I used to be able to swim, but now I can't anymore).

Cultural Context

These expressions of ability and growth subtly reflect Japanese cultural values. The emphasis on ～ようになる highlights the importance of continuous effort (努力 - doryoku) and self-improvement, a deeply ingrained concept in Japan. It's common to express humility even when possessing a high skill level, often downplaying one's abilities. Conversely, acknowledging one's *growth* using ～ようになる can be seen as a humble way to share progress, showing dedication rather than boasting. This linguistic nuance mirrors the cultural appreciation for the journey of learning and mastery.

Key Examples (8)

1

Ashita, paatii ni ikeru?

Can you go to the party tomorrow?

Potential Form: Can you do it? (U-verbs)
2

Kare wa Nihongo ga hanasemasu.

He can speak Japanese.

Potential Form: Can you do it? (U-verbs)
3

納豆が食べられますか。

Can you eat natto?

Japanese Potential Form: Saying 'I Can' for ru-verbs (～られる)
4

Netflixでこのアニメが見られるよ。

You can watch this anime on Netflix.

Japanese Potential Form: Saying 'I Can' for ru-verbs (～られる)
5

明日の会議に来られますか？

Can you come to tomorrow's meeting?

Japanese Potential Form: Can you do it? (Suru/Kuru)
6

Paypayで支払いができますか？

Can I pay with Paypay?

Japanese Potential Form: Can you do it? (Suru/Kuru)
7

漢字が読めますか？

Can you read kanji?

Mastering 'Can Do': Using が instead of を (Potential Form)
8

辛い料理が食べられない。

I can't eat spicy food.

Mastering 'Can Do': Using が instead of を (Potential Form)

Tips & Tricks (4)

💡

Use Ga

Always use 'ga' with potential verbs.
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Potential Form: Can you do it? (U-verbs)
💡

The Particle Switch

Remember to switch from を to が when using potential form to sound like a pro native speaker!
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Japanese Potential Form: Saying 'I Can' for ru-verbs (～られる)
💡

Particle Check

Always double-check if you used 'ga' instead of 'o' with potential verbs.
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Japanese Potential Form: Can you do it? (Suru/Kuru)
💡

Particle Swap

Always swap 'o' for 'ga' when using potential verbs.
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Mastering 'Can Do': Using が instead of を (Potential Form)

Key Vocabulary (5)

泳ぐ(およぐ) to swim 食べる(たべる) to eat 運転する(うんてんする) to drive 日本語(にほんご) Japanese language 漢字(かんじ) Kanji

Real-World Preview

coffee

Talking about new skills

Review Summary

  • U-verb (u->e) + ru
  • Verb(dictionary) + you ni naru

Common Mistakes

Potential verbs require 'ga' instead of 'wo'. This is a common slip for learners used to transitive verbs.

Wrong: 日本語を話せる (Nihongo o hanaseru)
Correct: 日本語が話せる (Nihongo ga hanaseru)

Adding 'reru' instead of 'rareru' to Ru-verbs is a common conjugation error.

Wrong: 食べるれる (Taberureru)
Correct: 食べられる (Taberareru)

When discussing ability, the verb inside 'you ni naru' should also be in the potential form.

Wrong: 泳ぐようになる (Oyogu you ni naru)
Correct: 泳げるようになる (Oyogeru you ni naru)

Next Steps

You've done an incredible job mastering these complex verb forms! Keep practicing, and you'll see your daily Japanese conversation improve rapidly.

Practice potential conjugation with flashcards

Continue to: The Passive Voice: Actions and Impacts

Quick Practice (10)

Conjugate the verb

食べる -> ___

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 食べられる
Standard ru-verb potential.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Japanese Potential Form: Saying 'I Can' for ru-verbs (～られる)

Choose the correct sentence.

Which is correct?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 宿題ができる
Potential verbs take 'ga'.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Japanese Potential Form: Can you do it? (Suru/Kuru)

Choose the correct particle

寿司 ___ 食べられます。

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: が
Potential verbs take 'ga'.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Japanese Potential Form: Saying 'I Can' for ru-verbs (～られる)

Fill in the blank.

日本語が話せる___。

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: ようになる
Correct grammar for ability change.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Becoming able to do something (～ようになる)

Fill in the negative potential.

明日、___。

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 来られない
Correct negative potential form.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Japanese Potential Form: Can you do it? (Suru/Kuru)

Choose the correct form.

Which is correct?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: {泳ぐ|およぐ}ことが{出来|でき}る
Must use dictionary form.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Formal Ability: Using 'Koto Ga Dekiru' (Can Do)

Fix the error.

Find and fix the mistake:

明日来れる？ (Is this formal?)

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: No, it is casual
The 'ra-nuki' form is casual.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Japanese Potential Form: Can you do it? (Suru/Kuru)

Choose the correct particle.

テニス___できる。

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: が
Potential verbs take 'ga'.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Japanese Potential Form: Can you do it? (Suru/Kuru)

Fix the sentence.

Find and fix the mistake:

日本語を話せます。

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: a
Particle shift.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Mastering 'Can Do': Using が instead of を (Potential Form)

Fill in the correct potential form.

私は日本語が___。

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: できる
The potential form of suru is dekiru.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Japanese Potential Form: Can you do it? (Suru/Kuru)

Score: /10

Common Questions (6)

It marks the state of ability.
Potential verbs describe a state, not an action, so 'ga' marks the object.
It is the colloquial habit of dropping the 'ra' in 'rareru'.
Potential verbs describe a state of ability, not an action on an object.
Yes, it is grammatically correct for all verbs, but less natural.
Potential verbs describe a state, not an action, so 'ga' marks the subject of that state.
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The Passive Voice: Actions and Impacts
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