～（られ）る - Potential Form

Meaning

Expresses ability — "can do something" / "be able to...".

How to Form

• The potential form is not the same as the passive form, even though the endings look similar.
• In casual speech, 食べられる is often shortened to 食べれる, but this is considered informal.
• The potential form works as an Ichidan verb (る)

Examples

• 日本語が話せますか？
  Can you speak Japanese?

• ピアノが弾けるようになりました。
  I’ve become able to play the piano.

• 明日、来られますか？
  Can you come tomorrow?

• 漢字を読むことができません。
  I can’t read kanji.

Notes

• Use が to mark the object of ability (not を).
  E.g. ピアノが弾ける
  • In some cases, you can still use を to emphasize.
    E.g. ピアノが弾ける = I can play piano
    ピアノを弾ける = Piano, I can play
• Can also use 〜ことができる as a more formal or general way to express ability.
• 来られる (こられる) and できる are the irregular forms.

• Common with skills and permissions:
  泳げる, 話せる, 読める, 来(こ)られる