Introduction
The Japanese verb できる (dekiru) can have different meanings depending on the context. It can be used to express capability, completion, or even the creation of something new. In this blog post, we’ll explore the various uses of できる (dekiru) with clear examples to help you understand how to use it effectively in your conversations.
Examples
1. Expressing Capability
One of the most common uses of できる (dekiru) is to indicate that someone can do something, is good at something, or did something well.
- 日本語ができます。 (Nihongo ga dekimasu.) – I am capable in Japanese.
- Explanation: Here, できる (dekiru) is used to express the speaker’s ability to speak or understand Japanese.
- 彼女はスキーができません。 (Kanojo wa sukii ga dekimasen.) – She can’t ski.
- Explanation: In this sentence, できる (dekiru) is used to indicate that she is not able to ski.
- 試験があまりできませんでした。 (Shiken ga amari dekimasen deshita.) – I didn’t do well on the exam.
- Explanation: Here, できる (dekiru) means that the speaker didn’t perform well on the exam.
- Explanation: Here, できる (dekiru) means that the speaker didn’t perform well on the exam.
Note: The difference between “試験があまりできませんでした” and “試験であまりできませんでした” lies in the focus of the sentences:
- 試験があまりできませんでした (Shiken ga amari dekimasen deshita):
In this sentence, “が (ga)” marks the subject, focusing on the exam itself. It means that you didn’t do well on the exam or that your performance on the exam was not good. - 試験であまりできませんでした (Shiken de amari dekimasen deshita):
In this sentence, “で (de)” indicates the location or situation. It suggests that during the exam, you couldn’t perform well, focusing on the situation.
In summary, “が” emphasizes the outcome of the exam, while “で” emphasizes the situation or context in which the exam took place.
2. Expressing Completion
できる (dekiru) can also be used to indicate that something has been completed or is ready.
- 昼飯ができました。 (Hirumeshi ga dekimashita.) – Lunch is ready.
- Explanation: In this case, できる (dekiru) is used to express that lunch has been prepared.
- 宿題はできましたか。 (Shukudai wa dekimashita ka?) – Is your homework done yet?
- Explanation: Here, できる (dekiru) asks if the homework has been completed.
3. Expressing Creation
Another use of できる (dekiru) is to describe something that has appeared, come into existence, or been made.
- 新しい店ができました。 (Atarashii mise ga dekimashita.) – A new store has opened.
- Explanation: In this sentence, できる (dekiru) means that a new store has been established.
- 友達がたくさんできました。 (Tomodachi ga takusan dekimashita.) – I have made many friends.
- Explanation: Here, できる (dekiru) is used to indicate that the speaker has gained new friends.
Conclusion
The verb できる (dekiru) is a useful and flexible word in Japanese that can express different meanings depending on the situation. Whether you’re talking about your abilities, the completion of tasks, or the creation of something new, できる (dekiru) can help you communicate your ideas clearly. By understanding these different uses, you can improve your fluency and express yourself more accurately in Japanese.
