できる
できる
dekiru
= to be able / can / possible
Dekiru (できる) means ‘to be able,’ ‘can,’ or ‘is possible.’ It’s one of the most essential verbs for expressing ability and possibility in Japanese.
Dekiru expresses ability or possibility. ‘Nihongo ga dekiru’ means ‘I can speak Japanese.’ The verb combines with other verbs to express capability: ‘yomu koto ga dekiru’ (can read). Dekiru differs from ‘iru’ (to exist) and ‘aru’ (to exist for inanimate)—it specifically expresses ability or feasibility. Negative form: ‘dekinai’ (cannot). Progressive: ‘dekite iru’ (can and is doing).
Dekiru is irregular. Common patterns: X ga dekiru (can do X), X suru koto ga dekiru (can perform X action). Context determines meaning—’atarashii kaisha ga dekita’ (a new company was formed/came into existence) uses dekiru differently than ability.
できる is typically written in hiragana. The kanji form 出来る is less common in modern Japanese.
Everyday use
私は英語ができます。
Watashi wa eigo ga dekimasu.
I can speak English.
Casual / Social Media
このパソコンで動画編集ができますか？
Kono pasokon de douga henshuuu ga dekimasu ka?
Can you edit videos on this computer?
Formal / Cultural context
努力すれば、何でもできる。
Doryoku sureba, nani demo dekiru.
If you work hard, you can do anything.
Dekiru embodies the Japanese concept of ‘ganbare’ (do your best). The ability to achieve something through effort is culturally significant. Japanese education emphasizes that ‘dekinai’ (unable) is often just ‘mada’ (not yet)—ability is developed through practice.
The phrase ‘dekiru hito’ (capable person) is highly valued in Japanese society. Competence and the ability to contribute are central to social standing and respect.
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