JLPT N4 reference · Verb extensions
Potential form
The potential expresses ability or situational possibility.
Core meaning and form
Ichidan verbs use stem + られる; godan verbs change the final u sound to e + る; する → できる and 来る → 来られる. The object is often marked by が, though を also occurs with many potential verbs in contemporary usage.
- Form: Ichidan verbs use stem + られる; godan verbs change the final u sound to e + る; する → できる and 来る → 来られる.
- Core use: The potential expresses ability or situational possibility.
- Context: The object is often marked by が, though を also occurs with many potential verbs in contemporary usage.
Examples in context
日本語が話せます。Nihongo ga hanasemasu.I can speak Japanese.
今日は来られません。Kyō wa koraremasen.I cannot come today.
この店でカードが使えます。Kono mise de kādo ga tsukaemasu.Cards can be used at this shop.
Common errors
- Do not select this pattern from an English translation alone; check its attachment and discourse function.
- Keep the surrounding sentence in a consistent plain, polite, spoken, or written register.
Quick summary
- Ichidan verbs use stem + られる; godan verbs change the final u sound to e + る; する → できる and 来る → 来られる.
- The potential expresses ability or situational possibility.
- The object is often marked by が, though を also occurs with many potential verbs in contemporary usage.