can do, it is possible to do

Dictionary form plus ことができる expresses ability or permission, much like the potential form but slightly more formal. It is common in writing and announcements. The negative ことができない means cannot or is not allowed.

Examples

• ピアノを弾ひくことができます。

  Piano o hiku koto ga dekimasu.

  I can play the piano.

• ここで写真しゃしんを撮とることができません。

  Koko de shashin o toru koto ga dekimasen.

  You cannot take photos here.

Vocabulary in these examples

• ピアノ piano
• 弾く to play (an instrument)
• できる to be able to do
• ここ here
• 写真 photograph
• 撮る to take (a photo)

Related patterns · Potential form

• 可能形（〜られる / 〜える） can, be able to do
• 見える / 聞こえる can be seen, can be heard (naturally)