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

Korean Grammar Point: ~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.

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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

Verb (Dictionary Form)	Verb Stem	Ending Needed	Resulting Form	Translation
가다 (to go)	가	-ㄹ 수 있다	갈 수 있다	can go
먹다 (to eat)	먹	-을 수 있다	먹을 수 있다	can eat
듣다 (to listen)	듣	-을 수 있다	들을 수 있다	can listen
쓰다 (to write/use)	쓰	-ㄹ 수 있다	쓸 수 있다	can write/use

Visual Aid

[Verb Stem] + 을/ㄹ 수 있다 → "can [verb]"

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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"

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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.

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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.

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