Learn JLPT N5 Minna no Nihongo Lesson 18

In Lesson 18, you learn how to use the dictionary form (plain form) of verbs and how to express abilities using 〜ことができます, among other useful grammar. In this lesson you will be able to:

Change verbs from 〜ます form to dictionary form (plain form)

Say what you “can do” or “are able to do”

Talk about hobbies, abilities, and what you like to do

Grammar

1. Dictionary Form (じしょけい) of Verbs

In Japanese, each verb has a basic “dictionary form.” This is the form listed in dictionaries and is used in many grammar constructions.

How to form dictionary form:

For Group I verbs (u‑verbs): change the final 〜ます ending from “〜います / 〜します / etc.” to the “u‑sound” — e.g. かきます → かく, のみます → のむ.

For Group II verbs (ru‑verbs): drop 〜ます and add 〜る — e.g. たべます → たべる, みます → みる.

For Irregular verbs: します → する, きます → くる.

Once you know dictionary form, you can use it in expressions like “ability,” or as base for plain-form statements.

2. Expressing Ability / Possibility: ～ことができます / ～ができます

To say that you can do something — that you have the ability or permission — you use:

Noun + ができます — “can do / able to do (that noun/action)”.

Verb (dictionary form) + ことができます — for “can do (that action)”.

Examples:

「にほんごができます。」 — I can speak Japanese.

「ピアノをひくことができます。」 — I can play the piano.

This is very useful for talking about skills, hobbies, or capabilities. The goal of Lesson 18 includes enabling learners to talk about what they can or cannot do.

Common Verbs & Vocabulary (from Lesson 18)

Here are some of the important verbs and vocabulary introduced in Lesson 18.

Japanese (hiragana) / Form English meaning

あらいます wash

ひきます play (instrument)

うたいます sing

あつめます collect / gather

すてます throw away / discard

できる (できます) can, be able to …

かえます exchange / change

うんてんします drive (a vehicle)

よやくします make a reservation / book

けんがくします inspect / visit (to learn / observe)

しゅみ hobby / interest (noun)

げんきん cash (noun)

(And more — these are some core / frequently used ones.)

Example Sentences (using Lesson 18 Grammar)

「にほんごができます。」 — I can speak Japanese.

「ピアノをひくことができます。」 — I can play the piano.

「えいがをみることができます。」 — I can watch movies.

「あさシャワーをあびてから、学校へいきます。」 (Note: sometimes other patterns from earlier lessons may combine)

「しゅみは うたうことです。」 — My hobby is singing.

「あらう, あつめる, うたう — これらができます。」 — I can wash, collect, sing — I can do these actions.

What you can do after Lesson 18

After completing Lesson 18, you should be able to:

Switch verbs from polite 〜ます form to basic dictionary (plain) form

Use “〜ができます” / “〜ことができます” to talk about abilities and what you can or cannot do

Use common everyday verbs (wash, play, sing, collect, throw away, etc.)

Talk about your hobbies, skills, and actions you are capable of doing