Lesson article
Spot the signal, compare it, then read it in context
Read all 3 sections in order. Notice the target form, compare it with the nearby alternative, then use the reading and practice below to check the meaning in context.
Section 1 of 3
How to form the potential
For ichidan verbs, replace る with られる. For godan verbs, change the final う-row sound to the え-row and add る. する becomes できる, and 来る becomes 来られる. In everyday materials, this is the standard form to learn first.
Target signal
食べる → 食べられる
eat → can eat
Notice how Potential Form I: How to Make It shapes the meaning of this sentence in context.
Vocabulary notes
- 食べる
- to eat
Compare in context
書く → 書ける
write → can write
Notice how Potential Form I: How to Make It shapes the meaning of this sentence in context.
Vocabulary notes
- 書く
- to write
Compare in context
する → できる
do → can do
Notice how Potential Form I: How to Make It shapes the meaning of this sentence in context.
Vocabulary notes
- できる
- to be able to; to be completed
- する
- to do
- で
- at; in; by; with
Section 2 of 3
Ability and possibility
The potential form can describe a person’s ability or whether something is possible in a given situation. In practical reading, both meanings are common.
Target signal
私は少し日本語が話せます。
I can speak a little Japanese.
Notice how Potential Form I: How to Make It shapes the meaning of this sentence in context.
Vocabulary notes
- 日本語
- Japanese language
- ます
- polite verb ending
- 少し
- a little
Preview
この店ではカードが使えます。
Cards can be used at this shop.
Notice how Potential Form I: How to Make It shapes the meaning of this sentence in context.
Vocabulary notes
- カード
- card
- この
- this
- では
- well then; in; by means of
Preview
今日は忙しくて行けません。
I cannot go today because I am busy.
Notice how Potential Form I: How to Make It shapes the meaning of this sentence in context.
Vocabulary notes
- ません
- polite negative verb ending
- 今日
- today
- は
- topic marker
Section 3 of 3
Reading clues and particles
With the potential form, the thing that can be done is often marked by が, though を may also appear in real usage. For learning and clean reading, pay attention first to the ability meaning.
Target signal
この漢字はまだ読めません。
I still cannot read this kanji.
Notice how Potential Form I: How to Make It shapes the meaning of this sentence in context.
Vocabulary notes
- ません
- polite negative verb ending
- この
- this
- まだ
- still; not yet
Preview
駅から海が見られます。
You can see the sea from the station.
Notice how Potential Form I: How to Make It shapes the meaning of this sentence in context.
Vocabulary notes
- から
- from; because
- ます
- polite verb ending
- か
- question marker; or
Preview
その質問には答えられません。
I cannot answer that question.
Notice how Potential Form I: How to Make It shapes the meaning of this sentence in context.
Vocabulary notes
- ません
- polite negative verb ending
- その
- that
- 答え
- answer; response