Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds
Use 'can' plus a base verb to show what you are able to do right now.
- No 's' for he/she/it: 'He can swim', not 'He cans swim'.
- Never use 'to' after can: 'I can dance', not 'I can to dance'.
- Negative is 'cannot' or 'can't': 'They can't come today'.
Overview
Valorant의 고수일 수도 있고, 친구들 중에서 주방을 태워먹지 않고 제대로 된 요리를 can (할 수 있는) 유일한 사람일 수도 있죠. 영어에서 이런 '능력'에 대해 말할 때, 우리는 딱 세 글자로 된 짧은 단어를 사용합니다.can입니다. 이 단어는 궁극적인 '예스'를 의미합니다. 단순하고 강렬하며, 아마 여러분이 배우게 될 동사 중에서 가장 쉬울 거예요.-s를 붙이거나 앞에 do를 써야 하지만, can은 완전히 자유롭습니다.can은 만능 도구입니다. 이 단어를 여러분의 개인적인 '슈퍼파워' 표시등이라고 생각해보세요.can은 여러분의 가장 친한 친구가 되어줄 것입니다.How This Grammar Works
can입니다. 영어의 세계에서는 '조동사'라고 부르지만, 그냥 '도우미'라고 생각하면 편합니다. 이 친구의 유일한 역할은 다른 동사 바로 앞에 앉아서 여러분의 능력에 대해 알려주는 거예요. 가장 멋진 점은 뭘까요? 아주 좋은 의미로 정말 '게으르다'는 거예요! 대부분의 동사는 주어에 따라 모양이 바뀝니다. I eat라고 하지만 he eats라고 하듯이요. 하지만 can은 그렇지 않습니다. 언제나 그냥 can이에요.can...can...can...can...can...can...can...-s도 없고, 이상한 어미 변화도 없고, 복잡한 일도 없어요. 그냥 주어를 쓰고, can을 붙이고, 그다음에 동작을 나타내는 단어를 쓰면 됩니다.can to swim이나 can swimming이라고 하지 않고, 그냥 can swim이라고 합니다.can) 있는지 물어보고 싶을 때, 복잡한 문장은 필요 없어요. 그냥 단어 순서만 바꾸면 됩니다.can) 확인하거나, 친구에게 5달러만 빌려줄 수(can) 있는지 물어볼 때도 논리는 똑같습니다. 한 번 배우면 평생 써먹는 최고의 문법 포인트죠.
Formation Pattern
can을 사용한 문장을 만드는 건 앱으로 피자를 주문하는 것만큼 쉽습니다. 세 가지 주요 형태만 알면 됩니다.
can + [동사 원형]
I can code. (저는 코딩을 할 수 있어요.)
can't (또는 cannot) + [동사 원형]
I can't speak French. (저는 프랑스어를 못 해요.)
Can + [주어] + [동사 원형]?
Can you help me? (저를 도와주실 수 있나요?)
When To Use It
can을 사용합니다. 2026년 현재라면 주로 디지털 생활이나 SNS 소통에서 많이 쓰이겠죠.- 기술 및 재능:
I
canplay the guitar. - 일반적인 능력:
I
canrun a 5k. - 디지털 소통:
Canyou DM me the link?
Common Mistakes
He cans cook.
He can cook. (그는 요리를 할 수 있어요.)
I can to swim.
I can swim. (저는 수영할 수 있어요.)
Do you can play?
Can you play? (놀 수 있나요?)
Contrast With Similar Patterns
CanvsKnow how to:Can이 더 빠르고 캐주얼합니다.CanvsBe able to:Can은 현재형이고,be able to는 다른 시제(미래 등)에 씁니다.CanvsMay: 요즘은 능력과 허락 모두can을 쓰는 추세입니다.
Quick FAQ
can't와 cannot은 다른가요?
분위기 차이일 뿐입니다. can't는 캐주얼하고, cannot은 격식 있는 표현입니다.
미래의 일에도 can을 쓸 수 있나요?
경우에 따라 다릅니다! 일반적인 미래의 능력에는
will be able to를 쓰세요.
2. Negative Contractions
| Full Form | Contraction | Usage |
|---|---|---|
|
cannot
|
can't
|
Most common in speech
|
|
can not
|
n/a
|
Rare, used for emphasis
|
Conjugation of 'Can' (Present Ability)
| Subject | Modal Verb | Base Verb | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
|
I
|
can
|
swim
|
I can swim.
|
|
You
|
can
|
dance
|
You can dance.
|
|
He / She / It
|
can
|
sing
|
She can sing.
|
|
We
|
can
|
cook
|
We can cook.
|
|
They
|
can
|
run
|
They can run.
|
Meanings
The word 'can' is a modal verb used to express that someone has the physical power, knowledge, or skill to perform an action in the present.
Physical Ability
Having the physical strength or capacity to do something.
“She can run a marathon in under four hours.”
“He can lift heavy boxes easily.”
Learned Skill
Knowing how to do something because you studied or practiced it.
“Can you play the piano?”
“My brother can code in Python.”
General Possibility
Expressing that something is possible or allowed by circumstances.
“You can see the mountains from my window.”
“It can get very cold here in winter.”
Reference Table
| 종류 | 구조 | 예시 | 간단한 대답 |
|---|---|---|---|
|
긍정문
|
Subject + can + Base Verb
|
I can speak English.
|
N/A
|
|
부정문 (격식)
|
Subject + cannot + Base Verb
|
He cannot swim.
|
N/A
|
|
부정문 (비격식)
|
Subject + can't + Base Verb
|
We can't go.
|
N/A
|
|
의문문
|
Can + Subject + Base Verb?
|
Can you help me?
|
Yes, I can. / No, I can't.
|
|
의문문
|
Can + Subject + Base Verb?
|
Can she drive?
|
Yes, she can. / No, she can't.
|
격식 수준 스펙트럼
I wonder if you could possibly assist me? (Requesting assistance)
Can you help me, please? (Requesting assistance)
Can you give me a hand? (Requesting assistance)
Yo, can you help a bro out? (Requesting assistance)
'Can' (능력) 이해하기
구조
- 긍정문 Subject + can + Base Verb
- 부정문 Subject + cannot / can't + Base Verb
- 의문문 Can + Subject + Base Verb?
핵심 포인트
- 'to' 없음 Never 'can to verb'
- '-s' 없음 Never 'cans' for he/she/it
- 'do' 없음 For questions or negatives
사용법
- 기술 I can play guitar.
- 신체 능력 She can run fast.
- 정신 능력 He can remember names.
Can (능력) vs. 흔한 실수
'Can'을 사용한 능력 표현: 빠른 가이드
능력이나 기술을 표현하고 싶으신가요?
긍정문인가요?
부정문인가요?
질문인가요?
당신은 무엇을 할 수 있나요?
기술
- • I can speak English.
- • She can draw.
- • We can play chess.
신체 능력
- • He can run fast.
- • They can lift heavy boxes.
- • I can touch my toes.
감각 능력
- • Can you see that?
- • I can hear the music.
- • She can smell dinner.
불가능한 일
- • I can't sing.
- • He cannot drive.
- • We can't find it.
수준별 예문
I can swim.
I am able to swim.
She can't cook.
She is not able to cook.
Can you help me?
Are you able to help me?
They can speak English.
They know how to speak English.
He can play the guitar very well.
He has the skill to play guitar.
We can't come to the party tonight.
It is not possible for us to come.
Can she drive a car?
Does she have the skill to drive?
You can find the keys in the drawer.
It is possible to find them there.
I can usually finish my work by 5 PM.
It is generally possible for me.
Can you tell me where the bank is?
Are you able to provide directions?
It can be quite expensive to live in London.
It is a general truth/possibility.
I can't believe he said that!
I find it impossible to believe.
The new engine can reach speeds of 200mph.
The engine has the capacity.
You can't have seen him; he's in New York.
It is logically impossible.
Can I just say how much I appreciate this?
Seeking permission to speak.
Learning a language can be a lifelong journey.
It has the potential to be.
One can hardly expect them to agree immediately.
It is not reasonable to expect.
The implications can be seen across the entire sector.
The effects are visible.
I can't help but feel we've missed something.
I am unable to avoid this feeling.
Can we not simply admit that we were wrong?
A rhetorical suggestion.
The sheer scale of the project can scarcely be imagined.
It is almost impossible to imagine.
Such behavior can, and often does, lead to dismissal.
It has the inherent potential.
Can it be that the legends are actually true?
A poetic or archaic inquiry.
The virus can remain dormant for several years.
Biological capacity.
혼동하기 쉬운
Learners use 'can' for permission when 'may' is traditionally required.
Using 'can' for past abilities.
Learners wonder if they are different.
자주 하는 실수
I can to swim.
I can swim.
He cans play soccer.
He can play soccer.
I no can go.
I can't go.
Do you can help?
Can you help?
I can't to hear you.
I can't hear you.
She can sings.
She can sing.
I am can swim.
I can swim.
I will can go tomorrow.
I will be able to go tomorrow.
I have could do it.
I have been able to do it.
He can speaks English.
He can speak English.
It can't have been him, can it?
Correct as is, but learners often use 'couldn't' incorrectly here.
문장 패턴
I can ___.
Can you ___?
He/She can't ___ very well.
Where can I ___?
Real World Usage
I can speak three languages fluently.
Can you lift this weight?
Where can I buy a bus ticket?
I can't believe I just won the lottery!
The app can't open the file.
Can you chop the onions?
'To'를 붙이지 마세요!
Can에 '-s'를 붙이지 마세요!
축약형은 최고예요!
Can으로 정중하게 말하기
Smart Tips
Use 'can' to list your skills clearly and concisely.
Immediately delete the 'to'. Modal verbs are 'to-free' zones.
Start with 'Can you...' to sound helpful and friendly.
Use the contraction 'can't' instead of 'cannot' in 99% of conversations.
발음
The Weak 'Can'
In affirmative sentences, 'can' is usually unstressed and sounds like /kən/ (kun).
The Strong 'Can't'
In negative sentences, 'can't' is stressed and the vowel is longer /kænt/.
The Glottal Stop
In American English, the 't' in 'can't' is often not fully pronounced, replaced by a sharp stop in the throat.
Question Rise
Can you swim? ↗
Standard yes/no question intonation.
암기하기
기억법
C.A.N. = Capability Always Now.
시각적 연상
Imagine a 'Can' of soda with a muscle arm growing out of it. The muscle represents the 'ability' or 'power' to do something.
Rhyme
With 'can' the verb is always bare, no 's' or 'to' should ever be there!
Story
Meet 'Can-do Ken.' Ken is a superhero. He can fly, he can jump, and he can speak every language. But Ken is simple—he never uses 'to' and he never adds an 's' to his name, even when his friend 'She' is with him.
Word Web
챌린지
Look around your room. Find 5 things you can do with the objects you see (e.g., 'I can read this book', 'I can open this window').
문화 노트
Using 'can' for permission (e.g., 'Can I go?') is very common, though teachers might say 'May I go?' is more 'correct'.
In professional settings, 'can' is used to show confidence in one's skills.
Often use 'can't' with a very broad 'ah' sound /kɑːnt/.
From the Old English 'cunnan', meaning 'to know' or 'to have mental power'.
대화 시작하기
What is one thing you can do very well?
Can you speak any other languages?
What can people do for fun in your city?
Can you play any musical instruments?
일기 주제
자주 하는 실수
Test Yourself
My little sister ___ read yet.
Find and fix the mistake:
He cans play the piano well.
올바른 문장을 고르세요:
Score: /3
연습 문제
8 exercisesWhich sentence is correct?
I ___ speak Chinese, but I want to learn it one day.
Find and fix the mistake:
Do you can help me with my homework?
piano / she / play / can / the / ?
Can they swim?
I ___ see the stars tonight.
My cat ___ jump very high.
___ I borrow your pen?
Score: /8
Practice Bank
12 exercisesI ___ see the stage from here.
My phone is broken; I ___ call anyone.
She can to swim very well.
Do you can speak French?
올바른 문장을 고르세요:
올바른 문장을 고르세요:
Translate into English: 'Ella no puede cocinar.'
Translate into English: '¿Puedes ayudarme?'
단어들을 배열하여 올바른 문장을 만드세요:
단어들을 배열하여 올바른 질문을 만드세요:
주어와 올바른 형태를 짝지으세요:
주어와 'can'의 부정형을 짝지으세요:
Score: /12
자주 묻는 질문 (8)
Yes, they mean the same thing. `can't` is a contraction and is very common in speaking. `cannot` is more formal and is always written as one word.
Not directly. We usually use `be able to` for the future (e.g., 'I will be able to come'). However, for scheduled events, we sometimes use `can` (e.g., 'I can meet you tomorrow').
Because `can` is a modal verb. Modal verbs are special and never change their form, no matter who the subject is.
They are very similar. `can` is more general and covers physical ability, while `know how to` specifically refers to learned skills. 'I can breathe' (physical) vs 'I know how to drive' (skill).
It is almost always written as one word: `cannot`. You only see `can not` if the 'not' belongs to a different part of the sentence, which is very rare.
Yes! In modern English, 'Can I...?' is perfectly acceptable for permission, though 'May I...?' is more formal.
Focus on the vowel. In `can`, the vowel is short and weak. In `can't`, the vowel is stronger and longer. In American English, the 't' is often a 'stop' in the throat.
No. You cannot put two modal verbs together. Instead of 'will can', you must say `will be able to`.
Scaffolded Practice
1
2
3
4
Mastery Progress
Needs Practice
Improving
Strong
Mastered
In Other Languages
Poder
English 'can' does not conjugate for person.
Pouvoir
French distinguishes between 'pouvoir' (possibility) and 'savoir' (learned skill).
Können
Word order: English keeps 'can' and the verb together.
~eru / ~rareru
Japanese uses a suffix; English uses a separate modal verb.
Yastati'a (يستطيع)
Arabic 'can' conjugates for gender and number.
Hui (会) / Neng (能)
Chinese has two different words depending on the type of ability.
Learning Path
Prerequisites
Continue With
관련 동영상
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