Word details

できる

Meanings, readings, and example sentences for the Japanese word できる

Dictionary

Entry

出来る
Intransitive
Usually kana
Ichidan verb
Freq #94
1

to be able to do; to be possible; to be permitted (to do)

Examples
申し訳ないけど長居できないんですよ。
I'm sorry, I can't stay long.
2

to be good at; to do well; to be proficient (in); to be capable

Examples
「論文できましたか」「いや、残念ですが、まだ書き終えていません」
"Is the essay ready?" "No, I'm sorry. I haven't finished writing it yet."
3

to come into existence; to form; to appear; to come up (of a matter); to be born; to make (a friend); to get (a girlfriend, free time, etc.)

Examples
あのサッカーボールは本物の革でできている
That football is made of genuine leather.
4

to be made; to be built; to be constructed; to be formed; to be established; to be set up

Examples
トイレお借りできますか。
May I use your toilet?
5

to be finished; to be completed; to be done; to be ready

6

to grow (of a crop); to be produced

Examples
オレンジは暖かい国で出来る
Oranges grow in warm countries.
7

to be mature and well-balanced; to be of fine character

8

As できている

to be by nature; to be born ...

9

Colloquial; Usu. as できている

to become (sexually) involved (with); to become intimate (with); to take up (with someone)

Examples
あの二人はどうもできているらしい。
They seem to be in love with each other.
10

Colloquial

to get pregnant

Character notes

Kanji in this Word

5 strokes
Frequency: 13
JLPT N4
Grade 1

Meanings

exit
leave
go out
come out
put out
protrude

Readings

On — Chinese-derived reading, usually for compounds
シュツ
スイ
Kun — Native Japanese reading, usually for standalone words
で.る
-で
だ.す
-だ.す
い.でる
い.だす
Nanori — Specialized readings used in names
いず
いづ
いで
すっ
すつ
てん
7 strokes
Frequency: 102
JLPT N4
Grade 2

Meanings

come
due
next
cause
become

Readings

On — Chinese-derived reading, usually for compounds
ライ
タイ
Kun — Native Japanese reading, usually for standalone words
く.る
きた.る
きた.す
き.たす
き.たる
Nanori — Specialized readings used in names
くり
くる
ごろ
8 strokes
Grade 10

Meanings

come
due
next
cause
become

Readings

On — Chinese-derived reading, usually for compounds
ライ
タイ
Kun — Native Japanese reading, usually for standalone words
く.る
きた.る
きた.す
き.たす
き.たる

Vocabulary quiz

Build your vocabulary

Add words to your personal quiz list and practice recall with the words you actually look up.

Start Word Quiz