～える・～られる: Potential Form

Introduction

You've arrived at what is one of the biggest Lower Intermediate lessons. The first boss, the gym leader, the... potential form. And so it is with great pleasure that I tell you: don't worry. Even if this lesson seems like a lot... you can do it. Heh. (... Y-you'll get why that's funny in a bit.)

You've learned a new ability!

Structure

• 

  For ichidan verbs: take the stem form and add られる.
  Example:
  たべる + られる → たべられる
  → このピザは絶対ぜったい食たべられる！
  "I can definitely eat this pizza!”

• 

  For godan verbs: replace the final /u/ (う) sound with える.
  Example:
  のむ(う kana) + える → のめる
  → このお茶ちゃは絶対ぜったい飲のめる！
  "I can definitely drink this tea!”