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Korean Grammar Point
(으)ㄹ 수 있다 [(eu)l su itda] (Can do)

(으)ㄹ 수 있다 [(eu)l su itda] (Can do)

Short explanation:

This form indicates the potential ability or possibility to perform something.

Formation:

(Verb Stem) + ㄹ 수 있다 OR (Verb Stem ending with a vowel) + ㄹ 수 있다, (Verb Stem ending with 'ㄹ') + 수 있다

Examples:

그녀는 한국어를 매우 빠르게 배울 수 있으므로, 한 달 만에 토픽 시험을 볼 수 있을 것입니다.
Geunyeoneun hangungeoreul maeu bbareuge baeul su isseumyeo, han dal mane topik siheomeul bol su isseul geosibnida.
She has the ability to learn Korean very quickly, so she will be able to take the TOPIK test in a month.
집이 가까우니까, 열심히 공부하면 한 달 안에 한국어를 유창하게 할 수 있어요.
Jibi gakkaunikka, yeolsimhi gongbuhamyoen han dal ane hangungeoreul yuchanghage hal su isseoyo.
As the house is near, if you study hard, you can become fluent in Korean within a month.
그것에 대해 많이 알고 있어서, 그에 대한 모든 질문에 답할 수 있어요.
Geugeosae daehae manhi algo isseoseo, geue daehan modeun jilmune daphal su isseoyo.
Since I know a lot about it, I can answer all questions about it.
당신이 이해하기 어렵다면, 조금 더 천천히 말할 수 있어요.
Dangsini ihaehagi eoryeopdamyeon, jogeum deo cheoncheonhi malhal su isseoyo.
If you find it hard to understand, I can speak a little slower.

Long explanation:

'(으)ㄹ 수 있다 [(eu)l su itda]' is a fundamental Korean grammar point that conveys the potential ability to do something. It is an auxiliary verb expressing that an action is possible given the circumstances, or indicates the potential that an event may occur. This also implies the speaker has the ability to perform, or is allowed to do, the action described by the preceding verb.

Detailed Grammar notes:

Processing keyword: (으)ㄹ 수 있다 [(eu)l su itda] (Can do)

Korean Grammar Point: (으)ㄹ 수 있다 [(eu)l su itda] (Can do)

Grammar Point: (으)ㄹ 수 있다 [(eu)l su itda] (Can do)

1. Introduction

The structure (으)ㄹ 수 있다 is used in Korean to express the ability or possibility to do something. It translates to "can" or "be able to" in English. This grammar point is essential for conveying capabilities and potential actions, making it fundamental for everyday conversation.

2. Core Grammar Explanation

Detailed Explanation

  • Meaning: Indicates that someone can do something or that something is possible.
  • Structure:
    • The verb stem is derived by removing the "다" from the dictionary form of the verb.
    • If the verb stem ends with a vowel, attach "ㄹ 수 있다."
    • If the verb stem ends with a consonant, attach "을 수 있다."

Formation Diagram

Verb Stem + (으)ㄹ 수 있다
  • Example:
    • 가다 (gada - to go) → 갈 수 있다 (gal su itda - can go)
    • 먹다 (meokda - to eat) → 먹을 수 있다 (meogeul su itda - can eat)

Visual Aids

Verb Stem (Dictionary Form) Verb Stem Structure Translation
가다 (gada) 갈 갈 수 있다 can go
먹다 (meokda) 먹을 먹을 수 있다 can eat
마시다 (masida) 마실 마실 수 있다 can drink
일어나다 (ireonada) 일어날 일어날 수 있다 can get up

3. Comparative Analysis

Compared to other ways to express capability in Korean, such as using "할 수 있다" (hal su itda - can do), (으)ㄹ 수 있다 is more versatile as it applies to various verbs, not just "하다" (hada - to do).

  • Similar to:
    • "능력" (neungryeok) - ability/capacity.
    • "할 수 있" for specific actions, often relies on context.

4. Examples in Context

Sentence Examples

  1. Formal:

    • 저는 빨리 갈 수 있습니다.
    • (Jeoneun bbali gal su isseumnida.)
    • Translation: I can go quickly.

  2. Informal:

    • 너 내일 올 수 있어?
    • (Neo naeil ol su isseo?)
    • Translation: Can you come tomorrow?

  3. Written:

    • 이 문제는 쉽게 풀 수 있습니다.
    • (I munjeun swipge pul su isseumnida.)
    • Translation: This problem can be solved easily.

  4. Spoken:

    • 나는 수영할 수 있어.
    • (Naneun suyeonghal su isseo.)
    • Translation: I can swim.

5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

  • In Korean culture, expressing ability or willingness to do something often carries social nuances. The proper use of formal vs. informal language is important depending on your relationship with the listener.

Idiomatic Expressions

  • Common idioms using this structure include:
    • 기회가 있으면 해볼 수 있어. (Gihwaga isseumyeon haebol su isseo.)
    • Translation: If there's a chance, I can try it.

6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

  • Mistake: Confusing "할 수 있다" with "(으)ㄹ 수 있다".
    • "할 수 있다" specifically refers to "doing" a task, while "(으)ㄹ 수 있다" can refer to any verb action.

Learning Strategies

  • Remember that (으)ㄹ 수 있다 can be used with any verb. Practice by making a list of verbs and forming sentences to build confidence in using this structure.

7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

  • (으)ㄹ 수 있다 expresses ability or possibility.
  • The structure varies depending on the final consonant of the verb stem.
  • It's widely used in both spoken and written Korean.

Quick Recap Quiz

  1. How do you form (으)ㄹ 수 있다 for the verb "하다"?
    • Answer: 할 수 있다
  2. Complete the sentence: 나는 한국어를 ________ (speak).
    • Answer: 나는 한국어를 할 수 있다 (I can speak Korean).
  3. Is it appropriate to use (으)ㄹ 수 있다 in informal settings?
    • Yes, it can be used informally. Feel free to practice more with different verbs to become proficient in expressing ability in Korean!
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