Processing keyword: ~할 수 있다 [hal su itda] (Can do)

Korean Grammar Point: ~할 수 있다 [hal su itda] (Can do)

~할 수 있다 [hal su itda] (Can do)

1. Introduction

In Korean, expressing one's ability or possibility to perform an action is commonly done using the grammar structure ~할 수 있다. This phrase translates to "can do" in English and is essential for daily conversations. Mastering this grammar point will enable you to discuss your capabilities and possibilities effectively in Korean.

2. Core Grammar Explanation

Meaning

• ~할 수 있다: Indicates that the subject has the ability or possibility to perform the action of the verb.
  • Translation: "can do [verb]", "be able to [verb]"

Structure

To form the ~할 수 있다 structure, follow these steps:

1. Verb Stem: Start with the verb stem (remove -다 from the dictionary form).
2. Add:
   • -을 수 있다 if the verb stem ends with a consonant.
   • -ㄹ 수 있다 if the verb stem ends with a vowel.

Formation Diagram

Visual Aid

[Verb Stem] + 을/ㄹ 수 있다 → "can [verb]"

3. Comparative Analysis

Comparing ~할 수 있다 with Similar Grammar Points

~할 줄 알다 (to know how to do)

• Usage: Emphasizes the skill or knowledge of doing something.
• Example: 저는 수영할 줄 알아요. (I know how to swim.)

~해도 되다 (may do)

• Usage: Used to ask or give permission.
• Example: 여기 앉아도 돼요? (May I sit here?) Key Difference:
• ~할 수 있다 focuses on the ability or possibility.
• ~할 줄 알다 emphasizes knowing how to do something.
• ~해도 되다 is about permission.

4. Examples in Context

Formal Situations

1. 회의에 참석하실 수 있습니다. Hoeie chamseokhasil su itsseumnida. You can attend the meeting.
2. 내일 자료를 받을 수 있습니까? Naeil jaryoreul badeul su itseumnikka? Can I receive the materials tomorrow?

Informal Situations

1. 너 영어로 말할 수 있어? Neo yeongeoro malhal su isseo? Can you speak in English?
2. 지금 나랑 통화할 수 있어? Jigeum narang tonghwal su isseo? Can you talk with me now?

Written Context

1. 이 약을 복용하면 증상을 완화할 수 있다. I yageul bogyonghamyeon jeungsangeul wanwahal su itda. If you take this medicine, you can alleviate the symptoms.

Spoken Context

1. 비가 와서 우산 없이 갈 수 없어요. Biga waseo usan eopsi gal su eopseoyo. It's raining, so I can't go without an umbrella.

5. Cultural Notes

Levels of Politeness and Formality

Korean language has hierarchical levels of speech. The form of ~할 수 있다 changes based on the level of politeness:

• Formal Polite: ~을/ㄹ 수 있습니다
  • Used in official settings, to elders, or in professional environments.
• Informal Polite: ~을/ㄹ 수 있어요
  • Common in everyday conversations among acquaintances.
• Casual: ~을/ㄹ 수 있어
  • Used among close friends, family, or those younger.

Idiomatic Expressions Using 수

1. 갈 수록 태산 Gal surok taesan Literally: "As you go, it's Mount Taesan." Meaning: Things are getting harder.
2. 불난 데 부채질한다 Bullan de buchaejilhanda Literally: "Fanning where there's a fire." Meaning: Making matters worse.

6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Common Mistake 1: Misplacing 수

• Incorrect: 수 갈 있다
• Correct: 갈 수 있다 Tip: 수 always follows the verb stem plus -을/ㄹ.

Common Mistake 2: Confusing 있다 with 없다

• Incorrect: 먹을 수 있다 when intending "cannot eat"
• Correct: 먹을 수 없다 Tip: Use 있다 for "can do" and 없다 for "cannot do".

Learning Strategies

• Mnemonic for Endings:
  • Consonant Ending Verb + 을 수 있다
    • Think of "C" in Consonant and "Eul"
  • Vowel Ending Verb + ㄹ 수 있다
    • Vowel flows smoothly into "ㄹ"

7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• ~할 수 있다 expresses ability or possibility.
• Formed by adding -을/ㄹ 수 있다 to the verb stem.
• Politeness level affects the verb ending:
  • -습니다 (Formal)
  • -어요 (Informal Polite)
  • -어 (Casual)
• Different from ~할 줄 알다 (know how to do) and ~해도 되다 (may do).

Quick Recap Quiz

1. Fill in the blank: To say "She can sing," you say 그녀는 노래___ 수 있어요.
   • Answer: 할
2. True or False: The form 갈 수 있어요 is used in casual speech.
   • Answer: False (It's Informal Polite)
3. Choose the Correct Translation: "We cannot meet tomorrow." a) 우리는 내일 만날 수 있어요. b) 우리는 내일 만날 수 없어요.
   • Answer: b) 우리는 내일 만날 수 없어요.

Congratulations! You've learned how to express ability and possibility in Korean using ~할 수 있다. Practice by forming sentences about what you can and cannot do, and pay attention to the level of formality in different contexts.