Lesson article
Spot the signal, compare it, then read it in context
Read all 4 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 4
Personal ability
Use the potential form in everyday contexts such as shops, schedules, and skills.
Start with the example
。
I still cannot drive a car.
Notice the variation
。
My older brother can cook by himself.
More detail: how to apply this
Use the potential form for things a person has learned or is physically able to do.
This often appears with skills, languages, sports, and tasks.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
Look for the stated obstacle before concluding that a potential negative reflects lack of skill.
expresses inability in that situation. The person may know the language perfectly well but be unable to make out this print.
。
The letters are too small to read.
Look for the stated obstacle before concluding that a potential negative reflects lack of skill.
Showing Try this approach: Everyday words.
Target signal
。
I still cannot drive a car.
Vocabulary notes
- まだ
- still; not yet
- 運転
- driving
Compare in context
。
My older brother can cook by himself.
Vocabulary notes
- 一人で
- alone; by oneself
Compare in context
。
She can swim twenty kilometers.
Vocabulary notes
- 彼女
- she; her; girlfriend
Section 2 of 4
Situational possibility
Situational possibility
Start with the example
。
Phones cannot be used in this room.
Notice the variation
。
You can see Mt. Fuji from here.
is a separate verb meaning be visible or come into view. It is not the conjugated potential form , though both can be translated can see in English.
More detail: how to apply this
The same grammar also describes what is possible because of conditions, tools, or rules.
In notices and signs, this meaning is especially common.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
Phones cannot be used in this room.
In this example, the message is: Phones cannot be used in this room.
。
Phones cannot be used in this room.
Return to the Japanese and locate the words supporting this meaning: Phones cannot be used in this room.
Showing Situational possibility: Everyday words.
Target signal
。
Phones cannot be used in this room.
Vocabulary notes
- この
- this
- では
- well then; in; by means of
Preview
。
You can see Mt. Fuji from here.
is a separate verb meaning be visible or come into view. It is not the conjugated potential form , though both can be translated can see in English.
Vocabulary notes
- ここ
- here
- から
- from; because
Preview
。
You can enter until six o’clock today.
Vocabulary notes
- 今日
- today
- まで
- until; up to
Section 3 of 4
Negative forms and reading decisions
Look for the stated obstacle before concluding that a potential negative reflects lack of skill.
Negative forms and reading decisions
。
Step 1 of 3 · Notice the clue
The claim concerns these particular letters. It does not cover everything the reader encounters.
Step 1: Notice the clue
More detail: the reading method
When you read a potential sentence, ask: is the speaker talking about skill, permission, physical possibility, or circumstances?
The surrounding context usually answers that question.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
I am busy, so I cannot participate today.
In this example, the message is: I am busy, so I cannot participate today.
、。
I am busy, so I cannot participate today.
Return to the Japanese and locate the words supporting this meaning: I am busy, so I cannot participate today.
Showing Negative forms and reading decisions: Everyday words.
More examples
Target signal
、。
I am busy, so I cannot participate today.
Vocabulary notes
- 今日
- today
Preview
。
The letters are too small to read.
Vocabulary notes
- この
- this
Preview
。
This card may not be usable overseas.
Vocabulary notes
- カード
- card
Section 4 of 4
Compare the meaning
Use the contrast to make a decision. Choose an answer before opening the explanation.
Your turn · decide before revealing
Compare but .
More detail: what changes and why
Compare but .
Potential forms can describe skill or situation;
limits the second claim to today.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
Same words, two possible interpretations. Which has evidence?
Potential forms can describe skill or situation; limits the second claim to today.
/
Supported meaning: General ability can coexist with a temporary inability
Use the sentence to choose between these interpretations; do not add information that is only in an answer choice.
Showing Compare the meaning: Everyday words.