Processing keyword: ~을/를 수 있다 [eul/reul su itda] (Can, possible)

Korean Grammar Point: ~을/를 수 있다 [eul/reul su itda] (Can, possible)

1. Introduction

The Korean grammar point ~을/를 수 있다 (~eul/reul su itda) is used to express ability or possibility, equivalent to "can" or "be able to" in English. It is a fundamental grammatical structure that allows speakers to talk about what they or others are capable of doing.

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2. Core Grammar Explanation

Meaning

• ~을/를 수 있다 means "can" or "to be able to".
• It indicates that the subject has the ability or that it is possible to perform a certain action.

Structure

To form this expression, attach ~을/를 수 있다 to the verb stem.

Formation:

1. Identify the verb stem:
   • Remove 다 from the dictionary form of the verb.
2. Attach the appropriate particle:
   • If the verb stem ends with a consonant, add 을 수 있다.
   • If the verb stem ends with a vowel, add 를 수 있다.

Formation Diagram

Verb Stem Ending	Attach	Example Verb	Conjugation
Consonant	을 수 있다	먹다 (to eat)	먹을 수 있다
Vowel	를 수 있다	가다 (to go)	갈 수 있다 (Note the contraction from 가를 to 갈)

Note: In the case of verbs like 가다, the combination of 가 + 를 becomes 갈 due to contraction in spoken Korean.

Visual Aid

[Verb Stem] + [을/를 수 있다]
           ↳ Ends with consonant: 을 수 있다
           ↳ Ends with vowel:     를 수 있다

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3. Comparative Analysis

Similar Grammar Points

• ~(으)ㄹ 수 있다: Another way to express "can" or "ability". It is structurally similar but involves attaching ~(으)ㄹ 수 있다 directly to the verb stem without the object particles 을/를.

  • Example:
    • 먹다 → 먹을 수 있다
    • 가다 → 갈 수 있다

Differences and Nuances

• While ~을/를 수 있다 and ~(으)ㄹ 수 있다 are often used interchangeably, ~을/를 수 있다 emphasizes the object (if any) because of the object particle 을/를.
• ~(으)ㄹ 줄 알다: Means "to know how to" and is used to express a learned skill or knowledge.
  • Example:
    • 저는 수영할 줄 알아요. (I know how to swim.)

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4. Examples in Context

Formal Polite Speech (습니다/습니다)

1. 저는 피아노를 칠 수 있습니다.
   • Jeoneun pianoreul chil su itsseumnida.
   • I can play the piano.
2. 여기에서 담배를 피울 수 없습니다.
   • Yeogieseo dambae-reul piul su eopsseumnida.
   • You cannot smoke here.

Informal Polite Speech (아요/어요)

1. 지금 통화할 수 있어요?
   • Jigeum tonghwahal su isseoyo?
   • Can you talk now?
2. 우리는 그 문제를 해결할 수 있어요.
   • Urineun geu munjereul haegyeolhal su isseoyo.
   • We can solve that problem.

Casual Speech

1. 나 혼자 여행 갈 수 있어.
   • Na honja yeohaeng gal su isseo.
   • I can travel alone.
2. 지금은 만날 수 없어.
   • Jigeumeun mannalsu eopseo.
   • I can't meet now.

Written Context

1. 사용자는 이 앱을 무료로 다운로드할 수 있습니다.
   • Sayongjaneun i aebeul muryoro daunrodeu-hal su itsseumnida.
   • Users can download this app for free.
2. 학생들은 도서관에서 공부할 수 있다.
   • Haksaengdeureun doseogwaneseo gongbuhal su itda.
   • Students can study in the library.

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5. Cultural Notes

Politeness Levels

In Korean, it's important to use the correct speech level to match the social context.

• Formal Polite (습니다): Used in formal situations, with strangers, or to show respect.
• Informal Polite (아요/어요): Used in everyday conversation.
• Casual (해요): Used among close friends or family.

Expressing Ability and Humility

In Korean culture, modesty is valued. People might understate their abilities or express them humbly.

• Instead of saying 저는 한국어를 잘할 수 있습니다 (I can speak Korean well), someone might say 조금 할 수 있습니다 (I can do it a little).

Idiomatic Expressions Using 수 있다

• 눈 감아줄 수 있어요?
  • Literally: Can you close your eyes?
  • Meaning: Can you overlook it?
• 시간을 되돌릴 수 없다
  • Cannot turn back time.

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6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

1. Using the wrong particle
   • Incorrect: 읽다 → 읽를 수 있다
   • Correct: 읽다 → 읽을 수 있다 (Because 읽 ends with a consonant)
2. Confusing with the object marker
   • Remember that 을/를 here is part of the grammar structure for expressing ability, not the object particle.
3. Forgetting contractions
   • Incorrect: 가를 수 있다
   • Correct: 갈 수 있다 (Contraction of 가 + 를)

Learning Strategies

• Practice with Common Verbs: Make sentences using everyday verbs to get accustomed to the pattern.
• Conjugation Drill: Regularly practice conjugating verbs with ~을/를 수 있다.
• Remember the Particles: Think of 을/를 수 있다 as one unit meaning "can".

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7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• ~을/를 수 있다 is used to express ability or possibility ("can").
• Attach 을 수 있다 if the verb stem ends with a consonant.
• Attach 를 수 있다 if the verb stem ends with a vowel (watch out for contractions).
• Be mindful of speech levels to match the social context.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. Convert the verb 하다 (to do) into "can do" using ~을/를 수 있다.
   • Answer: 할 수 있다
2. Fill in the blank: 저는 김치를 ___ 수 있어요. (먹다)
   • Answer: 먹을 → 저는 김치를 먹을 수 있어요. (I can eat kimchi.)
3. Is the following sentence correct? If not, correct it: 그는 수영할 수 있습니다.
   • Answer: Yes, it is correct. (He can swim.)

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By understanding and practicing ~을/를 수 있다, you can express your abilities and possibilities confidently in Korean!

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