GUIDED PATH · PHASE 5
Guided Japanese Course
A mastery path for complete beginners and technology professionals.
HOW THIS COURSE WORKS
Follow the path. Advance by mastery.
The primary path tells you what to do next. You can still open any available lesson, but completion is based on checkpoints rather than calendar days.
FULL TARGET CURRICULUM
Tracks 0–10
TRACK 9 · 9-4
Potential Form: Can Do / Be Able To
Build potential verbs for Groups 1, 2, and irregular verbs and use them to express ability/possibility.
- Verb groups and plain forms.
You need to say what a person or system can do: can read Japanese, can connect, can test today.
1. Each verb group transforms differently
Group 1 changes final u-row sound to e-row + る; Group 2 replaces る with られる; する→できる; 来る→来られる.
2. Potential often uses が for the thing that is possible
日本語が読めます is a standard beginner pattern. を is also heard with potential verbs in modern usage, but learn the が pattern clearly first.
Natural: I can read a little Japanese.
Structure: Japanese — a little — can-read
Ability.
Natural: We can test today.
Structure: today topic — test can-do
する→できる.
Natural: I can't connect to this environment.
Structure: this environment to — connect cannot
Negative potential.
3. Potential form vs ～ことができる
Both can express ability. 日本語を読むことができます packages the action with こと; 読めます is more compact.
4. Capability matrix
Write what a fictional learner, developer, and system can/cannot do.
INTERACTIVE WORKSHEET
4. Capability matrix
Create 15 potential transformations and 12 CAN/CANNOT sentences. Include all verb groups and する/来る.
Tip: on a foldable or tablet, use your pen directly on the page. Your strokes are saved in this browser as you work.
4. Capability matrix
Create 15 potential transformations and 12 CAN/CANNOT sentences. Include all verb groups and する/来る.
5. Potential is a high-value conjugation lab
Use the linked Manabi Kōbō tool for focused transfer practice.
Language IDE
Why here: Group 1 e-row conversion is easiest to debug visually.
How to use it for this lesson: Transform 10 verbs and label GROUP 1 / GROUP 2 / IRREGULAR before checking.
Compile potential verbs →Japanese Adaptive Recall
Why here: Review only verbs whose potential form you cannot produce quickly.
How to use it for this lesson: Prioritize できる, 来られる, and Group 1 e-row changes.
Review potential forms →Mastery checkpoint
Answer from memory. Repair the exact form or perspective error behind any miss.
