Lesson 18

Are you learning Japanese with Minna no Nihongo? Lesson 18 teaches you how to say what you “can do” in Japanese. You’ll learn how to express ability using the potential form of verbs. This is useful when talking about things like “I can speak Japanese” or “I can play the guitar.”

In this article, we’ll cover the important grammar, vocabulary, and examples from Lesson 18. Everything is written in simple and easy English. Let’s begin!

Lesson
Minna no Nihongo 18

🎯 Focus
Can Do / Ability

🎓 Level
Beginner

💪

Learn to Say "I Can" in Japanese

📘 Vocabulary

• できます (dekimasu) – Can do
• はなせます (hanasemasu) – Can speak
• よめます (yomemasu) – Can read
• かけます (kakemasu) – Can write
• ひけます (hikemasu) – Can play (instrument)
• のれます (noremasu) – Can ride
• およげます (oyogemasu) – Can swim

🧠 Grammar Point

In this lesson, you learn how to use the potential form to say you “can do” something:

[Verb in potential form] + ことが できます
Example: にほんごを はなすことが できます。 → I can speak Japanese.

Or you can say:
[Object] が [Potential verb]
Example: にほんごが はなせます。 → I can speak Japanese.

💬 Example Sentences

• にほんごが はなせます。 → I can speak Japanese.
• ピアノが ひけます。 → I can play the piano.
• えいごを よむことが できます。 → I can read English.
• くるまが うんてんできます。 → I can drive a car.

📝 Tips for Practice

• Make a list of things you can and can’t do in Japanese.
• Use flashcards to learn potential forms of common verbs.
• Practice with a friend: ask and answer “Can you ___?”
• Write 3 things you couldn’t do before but can do now.

📚 What’s Next?

In Lesson 19, you will learn how to use the plain form of verbs and talk more naturally. But before that, make sure you understand how to use potential verbs. They are important for daily conversations in Japanese.

Note: This article is made for beginners learning Japanese using Minna no Nihongo. Keep practicing, and you will get better every day!

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Do I need to learn all potential forms?
Not all at once. Start with the most common ones like できます, はなせます, and よめます.

Q2: What is the best way to remember?
Practice daily, use real examples, and repeat out loud.

Q3: Can I just say できます for everything?
You can, but learning the proper potential form of each verb is better.

Q4: Is this lesson hard?
It’s okay for beginners. Don’t rush — take your time and practice slowly.