Potential form in Japanese?
Konnichiwa!
I often hear the 'ga' particle used with the potential form, but occasionally 'wo' as well; I was wondering if there is a nuance difference
or how to use them?
For example, watashi wa hiragana ga yomemasu or hiragana wo yomemasu ?
What about hiragana wo yomu koto ga dekimasu? When would you use this form?
Onegaishimasu! (By the way, I can only read hiragana and katakana)

Question

Potential form in Japanese?
Konnichiwa!
I often hear the 'ga' particle used with the potential form, but occasionally 'wo' as well; I was wondering if there is a nuance difference
or how to use them?
For example,    watashi wa hiragana ga yomemasu    or      hiragana wo yomemasu ?
What about         hiragana wo yomu koto ga dekimasu? When would you use this form?    
Onegaishimasu!          (By the way, I can only read hiragana and katakana)

Answer

Ok, arigatou gozaimasu!

Answer

watashi wa hiragana ga yomemasu   in this case   "ga"  focuses on " hiragana" and "hiragana" is a main in this sentence so we think speaker is able to read only hiragana basically, and may be able  read others too.
 hiragana wo yomemasu ?  in this case,   "hiragana" is not important , so  we think speaker can read hiragana and others      when you want to say that you are able to read hiragana and especially you want to focus on hiragana as topic, you should say watashi wa hiragana ga yomemasu.
 hiragana wo yomu koto ga dekimasu  in this case, "hiragana wo yomu koto " is a main , so a speaker can express their skill as "hiragana wo yomu koto"     so we think a speaker has a skill of hiragana wo yomu koto.

Answers · 2

Still haven’t found your answers?

Don’t miss out on the opportunity to learn a language from the comfort of your own home. Browse our selection of experienced language tutors and enroll in your first lesson now!