to be able (to), to be possible (to)
Verb Dictionary Form +
This grammar structure is used to express ability or possibility. It literally means 'the thing (of doing something) is possible'. It is used to state that someone has the skill to do something or that circumstances allow for an action to occur.
To express that an action is possible, take the dictionary form (plain form) of any verb and add
日本語を話す
I can speak Japanese.
泳ぐ
I can swim.
ここで切符を買う
You can buy tickets here.
In casual conversation, the particle が is often omitted, and