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

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

Introduction

In Korean, the expression ~할 수 있다 [hal su itda] translates to "can do" in English. It is a useful grammatical structure that conveys the ability or possibility to perform an action.

Core Grammar Explanation

Detailed Explanation

The expression ~할 수 있다 consists of three components:

1. Verb Stem: The base form of the verb without any endings.
2. 할 (hal): This is the future tense marker for the verb '하다' (to do). For other verbs, it changes to match the verb stem (e.g., 먹다 becomes 먹을, 자다 becomes 잘).
3. 수 (su): This means 'way' or 'method.'
4. 있다 (itda): This means 'to exist' or 'to have.' Together, they express the capability of performing an action.

Structure

• The basic structure can be illustrated as follows:

  [Verb Stem] + 할 수 있다
  

Formation Diagram

+------------------+   +--------+   +--------+
|   Verb Stem      |-->|  할   |-->|  수   |-->|  있다  |
+------------------+   +--------+   +--------+

Comparative Analysis

This grammar point is often compared with:

• ~를 수 없다 [reul su eobda]: "cannot do."
  • Example: 먹을 수 없다 (Cannot eat)

Differences

• ~할 수 있다 expresses the ability to do something, while ~할 수 없다 conveys the inability to perform an action.

Examples in Context

Sentence Examples

• Formal:
  • 한국어를 할 수 있습니다.
  • (I can speak Korean.)
• Informal:
  • 나 피아노 칠 수 있어.
  • (I can play the piano.)
• Written:
  • 우리는 이 문제를 해결할 수 있습니다.
  • (We can solve this problem.)
• Spoken:
  • 여름에 바다에 갈 수 있어?
  • (Can we go to the beach in summer?)

Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

In Korean culture, politeness is highly emphasized. The use of formal versus informal language can change the nuance of your expression. Using 할 수 있습니다 is appropriate in formal situations such as professional settings, while 할 수 있어 is common in casual conversations among friends.

Idiomatic Expressions

• 영어를 잘 할 수 있어요?
  • (Can you speak English well?)

Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

• One common mistake is to forget to use the verb stem correctly, resulting in incorrect conjugation.
  • Incorrect: 물을 수 있다. (Should be: 마실 수 있다, "can drink.")

Learning Strategies

• Mnemonic Device: Remember that "할 수 있다" (can do) has the same pattern as "수" meaning method, so think of it as "there is a method to do."

Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• ~할 수 있다 expresses the ability or possibility of doing an action.
• It is constructed from a verb stem, 할, 수, and 있다.
• Usage varies with formality levels in conversations.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. What does ~할 수 있다 mean?
2. Construct a sentence using ~할 수 있다 with the verb '가다' (to go).
3. How would you say "I cannot swim" using this grammar point?

Feel free to practice and ask any questions!