「Potential Verb「買える(かえる、kaeru)」and the Conjugation | can buy, be able to buy 可能動詞)」is a verb that is classified as a「可能動詞 (かのうどうし、kanō dōshi、potential verb)」. It means “can buy” or “be able to buy.” 「買う(かう、kau)」and「買える」are different verbs in Japanese.
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Vocabulary Video
Before you learn the conjugations, please learn about the pronunciation of the verb in dictionary and ます forms.
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Dictionary Form/ます Form of a Potential Verb
As you know, English tenses are roughly divided into present, future, and past tenses. However, it is said that Japanese tenses consist only of “Past Tense” and “Non-Past Tense.” Therefore, we used “Dictionary Form,” not “Present Tense” in this heading.
Japanese people use two types of language. One is “non-honorific language” and the other is “honorific language.” When we focus on these languages, “dictionary” and “plain” forms are in “non-honorific language.” “Polite form” is in honorific language.
English Meaning: can buy/(will) be able to buy
| Positive | Conjugation | Romaji Reading |
| Dictionary & Plain Form | 買える | kaeru |
| ます & Polite Form | 買えます | kaemasu |
「辞書形 (dictionary form)」is the original form. The technical term is for non-native Japanese speakers. Therefore, native Japanese usually do not know the word.「ます形 (ます form)」is the polite form of a dictionary form. The term is also for non-native Japanese speakers.
Example Sentences
We can buy delicious sweets/snacks at the store in front of the station.
駅前のお店で、美味しいお菓子が買える。(Plain Form)
駅前のお店で、美味しいお菓子が買えます。(Polite Form)
This supplement can be bought cheaply online.
このサプリメントは、ネットで安く買える。(Plain Form)
このサプリメントは、ネットで安く買えます。(Polite Form)
English Meaning: cannot buy/not be able to buy
| Negative | Conjugation | Romaji Reading |
| Plain Form | 買えない | kaenai |
| Polite Form | 買えません | kaemasen |
Example Sentences
I don’t have enough money, so I can’t buy this.
お金が足りないので、これは買えない。(Plain Form)
お金が足りないので、これは買えません。(Polite Form)
There is no market near my house where I can buy fresh fruit.
家の近くに新鮮な果物が買える市場がない。(Plain Form)
家の近くに新鮮な果物が買える市場がありません。(Polite Form)
Conditional Form of a Potential Verb
Conditional form is「仮定形」in Japanese.
English Meaning: if (subject) can buy/be able to buy
| Positive | Conjugation | Romaji Reading |
| Plain Form | 買えれば | kaereba |
Example Sentences
If I can buy this bag next month, I’ll give it to my mother.
来月あのバックが買えれば、母にプレゼントしよう。(Plain Form)
If I could buy tickets to the amusement park, I would go there with my girlfriend.
遊園地のチケットが買えれば、彼女と一緒に行く。(Plain Form)
遊園地のチケットが買えれば、彼女と一緒に行きます。(Polite Form)
Imperative Form
「可能動詞 (potential verbs)」do not have an imperative form.
A Related Verb
「買う(かう、kau)」is a verb related to「買える」. If you want to learn about it, please check out this page:
To Learn Correct Verb Conjugations
Japanese verb conjugation is too complicated and there are many learners who use it incorrectly. Therefore, we provide lessons and services where we teach and correct your Japanese daily. If you want to know more about the details, please check out our website.
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