JLPT N4 Grammar – “行きます”? “行けます”? Master the basics of Japanese potential form
Table of Contents
1. Difference between “行きます” and “行けます”
2. The meaning of “行く”
3. The meaning of “行ける” (the potential form)
4. Let’s Compare
5. Summary
6. Quiz
7. Similar Articles
8. Comment
Q: What is the difference between “行きます” and “行けます”?
A: “行きます” expresses intention or will (to plan to go), while “行けます” means being able to go (possibility). In this article, we’ll take a closer look at potential verbs in Japanese.
The meaning of “行く”
“行く” is the dictionary form of a verb that means “to move from here to another place” or “to head toward a destination.”
[Examples]
わたしは学校へ行きます。
I go to school.
この新幹線は東京へ行きます。
This bullet train goes to Tokyo.
These sentences express the speaker’s will or plan. They carry the nuance of intention—meaning the speaker intends to do something.
The meaning of “行ける” (the potential form)
“行ける” is the potential form of “行く.”
It means “can go” or “it is possible to go.”
◆ What is the potential form?
The potential form of a verb is a grammatical structure used to express whether an action can be done or not.
For example:
| Verb | Potential Form |
|---|---|
| 食べる | 食べられる（＝食べることができる） |
| 書く | 書ける（＝書くことができる） |
| 行く | 行ける（＝行くことができる） |
◆ Two uses of “行ける”
① Ability (a person’s own strength or skill)
[Example]
ゆきちゃんは一人で公園へ行けます。
Yuki can go to the park by herself.
⇒ Yuki has the ability to go by herself.
② Possibility based on conditions (whether something can be done depending on the situation or conditions at the time)
[Example]
車があれば、どこでも行けます。
If you have a car, you can go anywhere.
⇒ If the condition “having a car” is met, it becomes possible.
The difference between “行ける” and “行くことができる”
Grammatically, “行ける” and “行くことができる” have the same meaning.
However, their usage and tone differ slightly depending on the context.
| Expression | Nuance / Usage |
|---|---|
| 行ける | Commonly used in spoken Japanese Casual and natural tone |
| 行くことができる | Often used in written language, formal situations, or polite speech (keigo) |
[Examples]
今日の午後なら、病院に行けます。（Natural spoken language)
I can go to the hospital this afternoon.
今日は午後なら、病院に行くことができます。(Polite / formal explanation)
I am able to go to the hospital this afternoon.
Some verbs cannot be changed
into the potential form.
To start, read this article
to understand the basic rules.
Let’s Compare
Now, let’s compare the following sentences:
[Example①]
明日、天気ならピクニックに行きます。
If the weather is nice tomorrow, I will go on a picnic.
明日、天気ならピクニックに行けます。
If the weather is nice tomorrow, I can go on a picnic.
“行きます” expresses the speaker’s intention or plan.
⇒ If the weather is good, I intend to go.
“行けます” expresses possibility based on conditions.
⇒ If the weather is good, I can go (＝there is also a possibility I can’t go if the weather is bad).
[Example②]
わたしは駅まで行きます。
I go to the station.
わたしは駅まで行けます。
I can go to the station.
“行きます” indicates an actual plan or routine of going to the station.
⇒ I usually go, or I’m planning to go now.
“行けます” means that going to the station is possible.
⇒ I have the ability to go, or the conditions for going are in place.
For example, if someone who had a foot injury says,
”今日は駅まで行けます” (I can go to the station today),
it suggests their condition has improved and they are now able to go, showing recovery or a change in situation.
Summary
| Meaning | Point | |
| 行く | To move / to intend to go | Expresses the speaker’s will or plan |
| 行ける | To be able to go | Used for somewhat abstract situations; expresses uncertainty about the success, viability, survival, or continuity of something |
| 行くことができる | Same meaning as “行ける” | Used in formal or polite expressions |
Quiz
Read the following sentence and choose the expression that fits the context from the options provided in the parentheses.
Click on the question to check the answer.
A. 行きます
「すみません、このバスはどこに行きますか。 」
“Excuse me, where does this bus go?”
*You’re asking about the destination of the bus, so “行きます” is the correct choice.
A. 行けません
自転車が壊れて学校へ行けません。
My bicycle is broken, so I can’t go to school.
*Since having a bicycle is a condition for going to school, “行けません” is the correct answer.
A. 行けません
足をけがしたので、今日はジムに行けません。
I hurt my foot, so I can’t go to the gym today.
*This shows a physical reason that makes it impossible to go—meaning it’s not about choice, but inability. “行きません” would imply a decision not to go, which would sound unnatural here.
A. 行けます
明日は時間があるので、やっと病院に行けます。
I finally can go to the hospital tomorrow because I have time.
*”やっと (finally)” means something couldn’t be done for a long time and is now possible. This expresses that having time tomorrow makes going to the hospital finally possible.
Similar Articles
- JLPT N4 Grammar – The Complete Guide to “〜てくる” and “〜ていく” ②
- JLPT N4 Grammar – The Complete Guide to “〜てくる” and “〜ていく” ①
- JLPT N3・N4 Vocabulary – Difference between “触る” and “触れる”
- JLPT N4 Grammar – “行きます”? “行けます”? Master the basics of Japanese potential form
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