れる・られる (potential)

potential form; to be able, can

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The potential form れる・られる is a grammatical structure in Japanese that expresses ability, possibility, or feasibility. It translates as "can" or "be able to" in English. This form is created by conjugating verbs based on their group.

・Group 1 (う-verbs): Change the final う sound to え and add る (e.g., 書く → 書ける, 飲む → 飲める).

・Group 2 (る-verbs): Replace the final る with られる (e.g., 見る → 見られる). In casual speech, ら is often omitted, simplifying it to れる (e.g., 見る → 見れる).

・Irregular verbs: する becomes できる.

The potential form typically uses the particle が to mark the object of the action, although を may occasionally appear in casual contexts.

This form is distinct from the passive form, which shares the same conjugation for Group 1 verbs but has a different meaning. The context and particle usage (e.g., が vs. に) help clarify whether the meaning is potential or passive.

In polite speech, the potential form is adjusted to include polite endings, such as できます (can do) or 見られます (can see), maintaining formality while expressing ability.

Structure

［る¹］Verb ￫見る + られる / れる

［る⁵］Verb ￫座る + れる

［う］Verb ￫歌う + える

［く］Verb ￫歩く + ける

［す］Verb ￫話す + せる

［つ］Verb ￫打つ + てる

［ぬ］Verb ￫死ぬ + ねる

［ぶ］Verb ￫飛ぶ + べる

［む］Verb ￫休む + める

［ぐ］Verb ￫泳ぐ + げる

Exceptions:

する → できる

JLPT Level

Key uses

1. Expressing ability

れる・られる is primarily used to express the ability to do something, indicating that a person has the capacity or skill to perform an action.

[ Additional Insight ]

This form emphasizes skill development or capability, making it particularly useful for discussing personal growth or achievements. It’s common in both everyday conversation and formal contexts, especially when discussing what someone can or cannot do.

2. Describing possibility

れる・られる can also describe the possibility of something occurring, often used to convey that an action can feasibly be done.

[ Additional Insight ]

This usage highlights feasibility or practical accessibility, making it suitable for expressing logical assumptions or conditions. It’s often used in instructional settings or discussions about availability and suitability.

3. Talking about permissions indirectly

In some cases, れる・られる can subtly convey permission, as it implies that an action is allowed or permitted

[ Additional Insight ]

This use is often softer than directly saying "allowed to" and is frequently encountered in polite or formal contexts, such as instructions or event details.

4. Expressing limitations

It can also highlight constraints or difficulties in performing an action, often paired with negative forms to show what cannot be done.

[ Additional Insight ]

This nuance helps express resourcefulness or problem-solving within constraints, making it ideal for conversations about limited resources or challenging situations. It reflects a practical and adaptive mindset.

5. Softening requests or statements

Using れる・られる in casual or polite speech can make requests or statements sound less direct, softening their tone.

[ Additional Insight ]

This phrasing helps maintain politeness and avoids coming across as too commanding, making it effective in social or professional settings.

Comparisons

1. ことができる

Both れる・られる and ことができる express ability or potential, but their tone and usage differ.

れる・られる is more conversational and natural for daily speech, while ことができる is more formal and polite, commonly used in writing or polite contexts. Use れる・られる for casual speech and ことができる for formal communication or when emphasizing capability.