JLPT N4

～られる

Can, be able to (potential) / Be done (passive)

Structure

Potential: Group 1 Verb (え-form) + る / Group 2 Verb (stem form) + られる / Group 3 Verb: する → できる, 来る → 来られる; Passive: Group 1 Verb (あ-form) + れる / Group 2 Verb (stem form) + られる / Group 3 Verb: する → される, 来る → 来られる

How it works

This verb ending serves two main functions: expressing ability or potential ('can do') and indicating the passive voice ('be done'). The verb conjugation changes slightly depending on the verb group.

Examples

私は日本語が話せます。（Potential） / ケーキは食べられました。（Passive）

I can speak Japanese. / The cake was eaten.

Common mistakes

Confusing potential with passive, especially with Group 2 verbs where the form is the same (食べられる).

Tip

Context is key! If it's about ability, it often uses 'が'. If it's passive, look for an agent (～に) or the action being done to the subject.

More JLPT N4 grammar

ようにするようになるそうだ (appearance)そうだ (hearsay)ようだらしいかもしれないてしまう

See ～られる in real Japanese

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