koto ga dekiru ことができる

Predicative phrase meaning: can (do), be able to (do).





1. After dictionary form of verb
三時までに来ることができますか。
San ji made ni kuru koto ga dekimasu ka.
Are you able to come by three o'clock?
私はあまり漢字を書くことができません
Watashi wa amari kanji o kaku koto ga dekimasen.
I cannot write many kanjis.
飛行機の予約を取ることができました
Hikouki no yoyaku o toru koto ga dekimashita.
I was able to make a plane reservation.

2. After nai-form of verb
秘密を洩らさないことができますか。
Himitsu o morasanai koto ga dekimasu ka.
Can you keep (from letting out) a secret.
-> See also: dekiru, koto