Processing keyword: ~할 수 없다 [hal su eopda] (Cannot do)

Korean Grammar Point: ~할 수 없다 [hal su eopda] (Cannot do)

1. Introduction

The Korean grammar point ~할 수 없다 is used to express the inability or impossibility to perform an action. It translates to "cannot do" or "be unable to do" in English. This structure is essential for expressing limitations, lack of ability, or external circumstances preventing an action.

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2. Core Grammar Explanation

Meaning and Usage

• Meaning: To indicate that someone cannot or is unable to perform a certain action.
• Usage: Attach ~(으)ㄹ 수 없다 to the verb stem.

Structure

The structure combines the verb stem with (으)ㄹ 수 없다:

• For verb stems ending with a consonant:
  Verb Stem + 을 수 없다
• For verb stems ending with a vowel:
  Verb Stem + ㄹ 수 없다

Formation Diagram

[Verb Stem] + (으)ㄹ 수 없다

Examples of Formation

Verb (Dictionary Form)	Verb Stem	+ (으)ㄹ 수 없다	Meaning
먹다 (to eat)	먹	먹을 수 없다	Cannot eat
가다 (to go)	가	갈 수 없다	Cannot go
읽다 (to read)	읽	읽을 수 없다	Cannot read
보다 (to see/watch)	보	볼 수 없다	Cannot see/watch

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3. Comparative Analysis

Comparison with "~못하다"

Both ~할 수 없다 and ~못하다 convey the meaning of "cannot do," but there are subtle differences:

• ~할 수 없다: Implies inability due to lack of ability or external circumstances.
  • Example: 비가 와서 등산을 할 수 없어요.
    (It's raining, so I can't go hiking.)
• ~못하다: Implies failure or being prevented from doing something, often due to some hindrance.
  • Example: 감기 때문에 학교에 못 갔어요.
    (I couldn't go to school because of a cold.) Nuance Difference:
• ~할 수 없다 focuses on the lack of ability or possibility.
• ~못하다 emphasizes that something didn't happen, possibly due to external factors.

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4. Examples in Context

Formal Examples

1. 지금은 통화할 수 없습니다.
   • Transliteration: Jigeum-eun tonghwahal su eopseumnida.
   • Translation: I cannot talk on the phone right now.
2. 이 장소에서는 사진을 찍을 수 없습니다.
   • Transliteration: I jangso-eseoneun sajin-eul jjigeul su eopseumnida.
   • Translation: You cannot take pictures at this place.

Informal Examples

1. 나 오늘 영화 볼 수 없어.
   • Transliteration: Na oneul yeonghwa bol su eopseo.
   • Translation: I can't watch a movie today.
2. 시간이 없어서 거기에 갈 수 없어.
   • Transliteration: Sigani eopseoseo geogie gal su eopseo.
   • Translation: I can't go there because I don't have time.

Written Examples

1. 이 상품은 해외로 배송할 수 없습니다.
   • Transliteration: I sangpum-eun haeoe-ro baesonghal su eopseumnida.
   • Translation: This product cannot be shipped overseas.
2. 본 이미지는 저작권 문제로 사용할 수 없습니다.
   • Transliteration: Bon imijineun jeojakgwon munjero sayonghal su eopseumnida.
   • Translation: This image cannot be used due to copyright issues.

Spoken Examples

1. 미안하지만, 도와줄 수 없어.
   • Transliteration: Mianhajiman, dowajul su eopseo.
   • Translation: I'm sorry, but I can't help you.
2. 그건 말해 줄 수 없어.
   • Transliteration: Geugeon malhae jul su eopseo.
   • Translation: I can't tell you that.

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5. Cultural Notes

Levels of Politeness and Formality

Korean language has different speech levels to show respect and formality. The ending of ~할 수 없다 changes accordingly:

• Formal Polite:
  ~(으)ㄹ 수 없습니다
  Used in formal settings or towards strangers, elders, superiors.
• Informal Polite:
  ~(으)ㄹ 수 없어요
  Used in casual conversations with peers or slightly older people.
• Informal:
  ~(으)ㄹ 수 없어
  Used among close friends or those younger than you.

Idiomatic Expressions

1. 손 쓸 수 없다
   • Literal Meaning: Cannot use hands.
   • Idiomatic Meaning: There's nothing that can be done; it's out of one's hands.
   • Example: 상황이 너무 빨리 변해서 손 쓸 수 없었어요.
     • Translation: The situation changed so quickly that there was nothing we could do.
2. 어찌할 수 없다
   • Meaning: There's no way to handle or deal with something.
   • Example: 그의 고집은 어찌할 수 없어.
     • Translation: There's no way to deal with his stubbornness.

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6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

1. Mixing up with "~못하다"
   • Incorrect: 시간이 없어서 숙제를 할 수 없었어요.
     (I didn't have time, so I couldn't do my homework.)
   • Correct: 시간이 없어서 숙제를 못했어요.
     (I didn't have time, so I couldn't do my homework.) Tip: Use ~못하다 when external factors prevent you from doing something that you otherwise could do.
2. Incorrect Verb Conjugation
   • Incorrect: 먹다 → 먹ㄹ 수 없다
   • Correct: 먹다 → 먹을 수 없다 Tip: Remember to add 을 after consonants and ㄹ after vowels.

Learning Strategies

• Mnemonic for (으)ㄹ 수 없다:
  • If the verb stem ends with a consonant, it needs extra support (으) before ㄹ. Think of "consonants need support".
    • Example: 읽다 → 읽을 수 없다
  • If the verb stem ends with a vowel, it can directly attach ㄹ.
    • Example: 가다 → 가ㄹ 수 없다
• Understanding Context:
  • Practice by creating sentences about things you cannot do due to various reasons (ability, permission, circumstances).

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7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• ~할 수 없다 is used to express the inability or impossibility to perform an action.
• It is formed by attaching (으)ㄹ 수 없다 to the verb stem.
• Adjust the level of politeness by changing the ending:
  • Formal: ~(으)ㄹ 수 없습니다
  • Informal Polite: ~(으)ㄹ 수 없어요
  • Informal: ~(으)ㄹ 수 없어
• Be mindful of the differences between ~할 수 없다 and ~못하다.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. Fill in the blank to express "I cannot speak Korean well."
   • 한국어를 잘 ________.
   Answer

   한국어를 잘 **할 수 없어요**.
2. True or False: "할 수 없다" and "못하다" can always be used interchangeably.
   Answer

   False. While they sometimes can be used similarly, "~할 수 없다" implies inability due to lack of ability or possibility, whereas "~못하다" often refers to being prevented from doing something due to external factors.
3. Correct the mistake in the following sentence:
   • 저는 딸기를 먹ㄹ 수 없어요.
   Answer

   저는 딸기를 **먹을 수 없어요**.

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By practicing and understanding ~할 수 없다, you'll be able to express inability and limitations effectively in Korean, enhancing your communication skills in various contexts.

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