πŸ“˜ Grammar 55: How to Use ~γ„Ή 수 μžˆλ‹€ / μ—†λ‹€ – Expressing Ability and Possibility in Korean

πŸ“˜ How to Use ~γ„Ή 수 μžˆλ‹€ / μ—†λ‹€ – Expressing Ability and Possibility in Korean

Want to say “I can go,” “I can’t eat that,” or “Can you help me?” in Korean?

Then you absolutely need to know ~γ„Ή 수 μžˆλ‹€ / μ—†λ‹€. This grammar pattern is the most standard way to express ability, possibility, and permission in Korean.

It’s equivalent to “can” or “cannot” in English and is used in both formal and casual settings.

πŸ“Œ What Does ~γ„Ή 수 μžˆλ‹€ / μ—†λ‹€ Mean?

  • ~γ„Ή 수 μžˆλ‹€: can, be able to do
  • ~γ„Ή 수 μ—†λ‹€: can’t, not able to do

Structure:

  • If the verb stem ends in a vowel → ~γ„Ή 수 μžˆλ‹€
  • If it ends in a consonant → ~을 수 μžˆλ‹€
  • Same rule applies to μ—†λ‹€

✔️ This pattern conjugates like a regular verb: 수 μžˆμ–΄μš”, 수 μ—†μ–΄μš”, etc.


πŸ“˜ Example Sentences

  • 갈 수 μžˆμ–΄μš” – I can go
    gal su i-sseo-yo
  • 먹을 수 μžˆμ–΄μš” – I can eat
    meok-eul su i-sseo-yo
  • μš΄μ „ν•  수 μ—†μ–΄μš” – I can’t drive
    un-jeon-hal su eop-seo-yo
  • μ§€κΈˆ λ§Œλ‚  수 μžˆμ–΄μš”? – Can we meet now?
    ji-geum man-nal su i-sseo-yo?

πŸ“Š Grammar Table – ~γ„Ή 수 μžˆλ‹€ / μ—†λ‹€

Verb Form Meaning Romanization
ν•˜λ‹€ ν•  수 μžˆμ–΄μš” I can do hal su i-sseo-yo
λ¨Ήλ‹€ 먹을 수 μžˆμ–΄μš” I can eat meok-eul su i-sseo-yo
κ°€λ‹€ 갈 수 μžˆμ–΄μš” I can go gal su i-sseo-yo
보닀 λ³Ό 수 μžˆμ–΄μš” I can see bol su i-sseo-yo
읽닀 읽을 수 μžˆμ–΄μš” I can read ilg-eul su i-sseo-yo
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πŸ’‘ When to Use ~γ„Ή 수 μžˆλ‹€ / μ—†λ‹€

  • ✔️ When talking about ability (physical or mental)
  • ✔️ When talking about possibility (due to time or conditions)
  • ✔️ When asking for permission (“Can I...?”)

Examples:

  • 내일 올 수 μžˆμ–΄μš”? – Can you come tomorrow?
  • 이거 먹을 수 μ—†μ–΄μš” – I can't eat this

❗ Common Mistakes

  • ❌ 갈 수 μ—†λ‹€μš” → ✅ 갈 수 μ—†μ–΄μš”
  • ❌ 수 μžˆμ–΄μš” κ°€μš” → ✅ 갈 수 μžˆμ–΄μš”
  • Don’t forget to conjugate the entire phrase properly

πŸ§ͺ Mini Quiz – Test Yourself!

  1. How do you say “I can speak Korean”?
    a) ν•œκ΅­μ–΄ 말할 수 μžˆμ–΄μš”
    b) ν•œκ΅­μ–΄λ₯Ό ν•  수 μžˆμ–΄μš”
    Click to Show Answer

    ✅ Both a) and b) are acceptable!

  2. Translate: “I can’t go now.”
    a) μ§€κΈˆ λͺ» κ°€μš”
    b) μ§€κΈˆ 갈 수 μ—†μ–΄μš”
    Click to Show Answer

    ✅ b) is more formal and structured

  3. Which is correct for “Can I ask a question?”
    a) 질문 ν•  수 μžˆμ–΄μš”?
    b) μ§ˆλ¬Έν•  수 μžˆμ–΄μš”?
    Click to Show Answer

    ✅ b) μ§ˆλ¬Έν•  수 μžˆμ–΄μš”?


✅ Conclusion

Now you can use ~γ„Ή 수 μžˆλ‹€ / μ—†λ‹€ to express what you can or cannot do in Korean!

  • Attach it directly to the verb stem
  • Use it for possibility, ability, or permission
  • Perfect for conversations, questions, and polite expressions

Practice these:

  • “I can study at night” → 밀에 곡뢀할 수 μžˆμ–΄μš”
  • “I can’t sleep well” → 잘 잘 수 μ—†μ–΄μš”


πŸ“˜ Coming Up Next

Next lesson: How to Use ~γ„΄/은 지 – Talking About Time Passed in Korean
Learn how to say “It’s been 3 years since I came to Korea,” “It’s been a long time,” and more!

Related Keywords:
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