Significado
Expressing inability or impossibility to perform an action.
Contexto cultural
In business, saying '할 수 없습니다' is often followed by a detailed reason to show respect to the other party. Simply saying 'No' is considered rude. Koreans often use 'can't' as a form of modesty when receiving compliments about their skills, even if they are actually quite good. Public signs use the formal '-ㅂ니다' form to state rules clearly and authoritatively. In K-Dramas, '믿을 수 없어' (I can't believe it) is a very common dramatic line used during plot twists.
The 'Ga' Trick
If you want to sound more emotional or frustrated, add '-가' to make it '-(으)ㄹ 수가 없어요'. It's like saying 'I just CANNOT!'
Don't over-use it
In casual texting with friends, '못' is much more common. Using '-(으)ㄹ 수 없어' too much can make you sound like a textbook.
Significado
Expressing inability or impossibility to perform an action.
The 'Ga' Trick
If you want to sound more emotional or frustrated, add '-가' to make it '-(으)ㄹ 수가 없어요'. It's like saying 'I just CANNOT!'
Don't over-use it
In casual texting with friends, '못' is much more common. Using '-(으)ㄹ 수 없어' too much can make you sound like a textbook.
Polite Refusals
Always pair '-(으)ㄹ 수 없어요' with a reason (-(으)니까 or -아/어서) to sound like a polite native speaker.
Ponte a prueba
Fill in the blank with the correct form of '-(으)ㄹ 수 없어요'.
너무 바빠서 점심을 (먹다) _______.
'먹다' has a consonant stem, so we add '-을 수 없어요'.
Which sentence is the most natural way to say 'I can't swim' in a neutral setting?
수영을...
'할 수 없어요' correctly expresses the lack of ability.
Complete the dialogue with the most appropriate response.
가: 내일 파티에 올 수 있어요? 나: 미안해요, 고향에서 부모님이 오셔서 (가다) _______.
The speaker is giving a reason why they cannot attend, so '갈 수 없어요' is correct.
Match the sentence to the correct situation.
여기서 담배를 피울 수 없습니다.
This is a formal prohibition often found on signs.
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Ayudas visuales
When to use -(으)ㄹ 수 없어요
Physical Ability
- • Can't lift this
- • Can't run fast
- • Can't see well
Situational
- • Road is blocked
- • No money
- • Too busy
Rules/Laws
- • No parking
- • No smoking
- • No entry
Banco de ejercicios
4 ejercicios너무 바빠서 점심을 (먹다) _______.
'먹다' has a consonant stem, so we add '-을 수 없어요'.
수영을...
'할 수 없어요' correctly expresses the lack of ability.
가: 내일 파티에 올 수 있어요? 나: 미안해요, 고향에서 부모님이 오셔서 (가다) _______.
The speaker is giving a reason why they cannot attend, so '갈 수 없어요' is correct.
여기서 담배를 피울 수 없습니다.
This is a formal prohibition often found on signs.
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Preguntas frecuentes
10 preguntas'못' is shorter and more casual. '-(으)ㄹ 수 없다' is more formal and can express a wider range of impossibilities, including social rules and logical conclusions.
Yes, it is very common for expressing prohibition, especially on signs or in formal instructions.
Change '없어요' to '없었어요'. For example: '어제는 갈 수 없었어요.'
Yes, it's a 'bound noun,' meaning it can't stand alone but carries the meaning of 'way' or 'possibility.'
Adding the particle '가' adds emphasis. It's often used when the speaker feels strongly about the impossibility.
Generally, no. This pattern is for verbs. For adjectives, you would use a different structure like '-아/어질 수 없다' (cannot become...).
'할 줄 몰라요' specifically means you don't have the knowledge or skill. '할 수 없어요' is broader and includes situational barriers.
No, but it's better to use the formal version '할 수 없습니다' and provide a clear reason.
Yes! '믿을 수 없어요' is the standard way to say 'I can't believe it.'
Just add '수 없어요' directly: '살 수 없어요.' The 'ㄹ' in the stem and the grammar merge.
Frases relacionadas
-(으)ㄹ {수|數} 있다
contrastCan do / To be able to
못 -(하다)
similarCannot do
-(으)ㄹ {수|數}밖에 없다
builds onTo have no choice but to
불가능하다
specialized formTo be impossible
