A2 Expressions & Patterns 14 min read Easy

Can & Cannot in Korean: The ㄹ/을 수 있다/없다 Pattern

Use -ㄹ/을 수 있다/없다 to express that you have the ability or possibility to do something.
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Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds

Use 'ㄹ/을 수 있다' to express ability or possibility, and 'ㄹ/을 수 없다' for the opposite.

  • Add ㄹ 수 있다 to verb stems ending in a vowel (e.g., 가다 -> 갈 수 있다).
  • Add 을 수 있다 to verb stems ending in a consonant (e.g., 먹다 -> 먹을 수 있다).
  • Replace 있다 with 없다 to express inability or impossibility (e.g., 먹을 수 없다).
Verb Stem + (ㄹ/을) + 수 + 있다/없다

Overview

Mastering the Korean expressions for 'can' and 'cannot' is fundamental for A2-level learners. The -(으)ㄹ 수 있다 and -(으)ㄹ 수 없다 patterns are your primary tools for articulating ability (physical, mental, or learned skill) and possibility (situational permission or circumstance). This structure is ubiquitous in daily communication, allowing you to express a wide range of intentions, from stating your capabilities to explaining why something is or isn't feasible.

Understanding its underlying logic provides a robust foundation for more complex grammatical constructions.

At its core, -(으)ㄹ 수 있다 literally translates to 'the ability to do [verb] exists,' while -(으)ㄹ 수 없다 means 'the ability to do [verb] does not exist.' This conceptual framework is crucial for grasping its proper application, particularly why certain grammatical elements behave as they do within the pattern. For instance, you will frequently use this pattern to describe what you are capable of doing, such as 저는 한국어를 할 수 있어요. (I can speak Korean.) or to decline an invitation, 내일 회의에 참석할 수 없어요. (I cannot attend the meeting tomorrow.).

How This Grammar Works

The grammar pattern -(으)ㄹ 수 있다/없다 is a powerful and logical construction. Its structure reveals a core principle of Korean grammar: transforming verbs into modifiers for nouns. To fully understand -(으)ㄹ 수 있다/없다, you must recognize 수 as a special noun meaning "ability," "method," or "possibility." This 수 is derived from the Hanja character 數 (su), which historically denotes calculation, number, or means.
When you express ability in Korean using this pattern, you are essentially creating a phrase that describes 수. The -(으)ㄹ ending attached to the verb stem functions as a future adnominal ending, or prospective modifier. It transforms the preceding verb into a descriptive phrase that modifies the noun 수.
This transformation makes the verb describe the 'ability' or 'possibility' that follows it. For example, in 먹을 수 있다 (can eat), 먹을 modifies 수, literally meaning 'the 수 (ability/possibility) of eating.'
Because 수 is an independent noun, it always requires a space before it. This is a critical distinction and a common pitfall for learners. Neglecting this space merges 수 with the preceding verb form, violating its grammatical role as a standalone noun.
The verbs 있다 (to exist) and 없다 (to not exist) then complete the phrase, indicating the presence or absence of this 'ability' or 'possibility.' These final verbs are conjugated according to tense and politeness level, giving you full control over the sentence's formality.
Consider the sentence 나는 갈 수 있다. (I can go.). Here, 갈 (from 가다 + ㄹ) modifies 수, and 있다 affirms the existence of that 'ability.' This systematic breakdown clarifies why the pattern is constructed as it is and reinforces the importance of the space preceding 수. This fundamental understanding will prevent many common errors and deepen your intuition for Korean sentence structure.

Formation Pattern

1
Forming the -(으)ㄹ 수 있다/없다 pattern is systematic and depends on whether the verb stem ends in a vowel or a consonant. You begin by removing the dictionary ending 다 from the verb. The remainder is your verb stem, to which the appropriate ending is attached.
2
Verb Stem Ends in a Vowel:
3
If the verb stem ends in a vowel, you attach -ㄹ 수 있다/없다 directly.
4
| Verb (다 removed) | + -(으)ㄹ 수 있다 | Example (Standard Polite) | Meaning |
5
|-------------------|----------------------|----------------------------|-------------------|
6
| 가 (go) | 갈 수 있다 | 갈 수 있어요 | Can go |
7
| 보다 (see) | 볼 수 있다 | 볼 수 있어요 | Can see |
8
| 사다 (buy) | 살 수 있다 | 살 수 있어요 | Can buy |
9
Example: 저는 지금 집에 갈 수 있어요. (I can go home now.)
10
Example: 혼자 영화를 볼 수 없어요. (I can't watch a movie alone.)
11
Verb Stem Ends in a Consonant (Batchim):
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If the verb stem ends in a consonant (batchim), you attach -을 수 있다/없다.
13
| Verb (다 removed) | + -(으)ㄹ 수 있다 | Example (Standard Polite) | Meaning |
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|-------------------|----------------------|----------------------------|-------------------|
15
| 먹다 (eat) | 먹을 수 있다 | 먹을 수 있어요 | Can eat |
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| 읽다 (read) | 읽을 수 있다 | 읽을 수 있어요 | Can read |
17
| 찾다 (find) | 찾을 수 있다 | 찾을 수 있어요 | Can find |
18
Example: 이 책을 읽을 수 있어요? (Can you read this book?)
19
Example: 아침을 먹을 수 없어요. 시간이 없어요. (I can't eat breakfast. I don't have time.)
20
Irregular Verbs: These verbs have special rules when -(으)ㄹ is attached. Always consider these exceptions.
21
ㄹ-Irregular Verbs (e.g., 만들다 - to make): When the stem already ends in ㄹ, you typically drop the existing ㄹ before attaching ㄹ. However, for -(으)ㄹ 수 있다, the ㄹ is already part of the stem, so you simply attach 수 있다/없다 directly, as if it were a vowel-ending stem, but the ㄹ remains.
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| Verb (다 removed) | + -(으)ㄹ 수 있다 | Example (Standard Polite) | Meaning |
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|-------------------|----------------------|----------------------------|-------------------|
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| 만들다 (make) | 만들 수 있다 | 만들 수 있어요 | Can make |
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| 놀다 (play) | 놀 수 있다 | 놀 수 있어요 | Can play |
26
Example: 혼자서 이 요리를 만들 수 있어요. (I can make this dish by myself.)
27
ㄷ-Irregular Verbs (e.g., 듣다 - to listen): The ㄷ changes to ㄹ before a vowel sound (which -을 starts with). So, it becomes 들을 수 있다.
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| Verb (다 removed) | + -(으)ㄹ 수 있다 | Example (Standard Polite) | Meaning |
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|-------------------|----------------------|----------------------------|-------------------|
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| 듣다 (listen) | 들을 수 있다 | 들을 수 있어요 | Can listen |
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| 걷다 (walk) | 걸을 수 있다 | 걸을 수 있어요 | Can walk |
32
Example: 이 음악을 들을 수 없어요. 너무 시끄러워요. (I can't listen to this music. It's too loud.)
33
ㅂ-Irregular Verbs (e.g., 돕다 - to help, 춥다 - to be cold): The ㅂ changes to 우 (or 오 for 돕다 and 곱다) before a vowel sound. The 우/오 then combines with -ㄹ 수 있다.
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| Verb (다 removed) | + -(으)ㄹ 수 있다 | Example (Standard Polite) | Meaning |
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|-------------------|----------------------|----------------------------|-------------------|
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| 돕다 (help) | 도울 수 있다 | 도울 수 있어요 | Can help |
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| 굽다 (bake) | 구울 수 있다 | 구울 수 있어요 | Can bake |
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Example: 제가 당신을 도울 수 있어요. (I can help you.)
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ㅅ-Irregular Verbs (e.g., 낫다 - to get better): The ㅅ drops out before a vowel sound. So, 낫다 becomes 나을 수 있다.
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| Verb (다 removed) | + -(으)ㄹ 수 있다 | Example (Standard Polite) | Meaning |
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|-------------------|----------------------|----------------------------|-------------------|
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| 낫다 (get better) | 나을 수 있다 | 나을 수 있어요 | Can get better |
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Example: 감기가 곧 나을 수 있을 거예요. (Your cold will likely get better soon.)
44
ㅎ-Irregular Adjectives (e.g., 빨갛다 - to be red): While this pattern is primarily for verbs, if you were to hypothetically apply it, ㅎ would drop. However, with -(으)ㄹ 수 있다/없다, it is not typically used with adjectives because adjectives describe states, not abilities.
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Politeness Levels:
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Remember to conjugate 있다 or 없다 for your desired politeness level:
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Formal Declarative (합니다체): -(으)ㄹ 수 있습니다 / -(으)ㄹ 수 없습니다
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Standard Polite (해요체): -(으)ㄹ 수 있어요 / -(으)ㄹ 수 없어요
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Casual (해체): -(으)ㄹ 수 있어 / -(으)ㄹ 수 없어
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Choose the appropriate ending based on your audience and the social context. Using the wrong politeness level can sound awkward or even impolite.

When To Use It

The -(으)ㄹ 수 있다/없다 pattern is indispensable for conveying two primary concepts: ability and possibility. Distinguishing between these two uses is key to accurate and natural Korean communication.
  1. 1Expressing Ability:
This refers to your physical or mental capacity, a learned skill, or an inherent talent. If you possess the capability to perform an action, this is the pattern to use. It answers the question of 'can you do X?' in terms of skill or innate power.
  • 저는 한국말을 할 수 있어요. (I can speak Korean.) — This implies a learned skill.
  • 그는 무거운 상자를 들 수 있어요. (He can lift heavy boxes.) — This implies physical strength.
  • 저는 어두운 곳에서 잘 볼 수 없어요. (I cannot see well in dark places.) — This implies a physical limitation.
You will often hear this in contexts such as job interviews, skill assessments, or when simply describing what you are good at.
  1. 1Expressing Possibility / Impossibility (Situational):
Beyond personal ability, this pattern also communicates whether an action is possible or impossible due to external circumstances, rules, or situational constraints. It addresses whether 'X can happen' or 'X is allowed to happen.' This is not about your skill but about the surrounding conditions.
  • 지금은 갈 수 없어요. 너무 바빠요. (I can't go now. I'm too busy.) — The constraint is a lack of time.
  • 여기에서는 사진을 찍을 수 없어요. (You cannot take pictures here.) — The constraint is a rule or prohibition.
  • 내일 만날 수 있어요? (Can we meet tomorrow?) — Asking about the situational possibility of meeting.
This usage is particularly common in making plans, explaining delays, or inquiring about permissible actions. The context always clarifies whether you are talking about someone's skill or the feasibility of a situation.
Table: -(으)ㄹ 수 있다/없다 Uses
| Usage Type | Meaning | Example (Standard Polite) | Nuance |
|-----------------|---------------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------|
| Ability | Possessing the skill or physical capacity | 수영할 수 있어요. (I can swim.) | Focus on internal capability. |
| | | 피아노를 칠 수 없어요. (I can't play the piano.) | Lack of internal capability/skill. |
| Possibility | Situational feasibility or permission | 지금 주문할 수 있어요. (You can order now.) | External conditions allow it. |
| | | 주차할 수 없어요. (You can't park.) | External conditions (rules, space) forbid it. |
When using this pattern in questions, -(으)ㄹ 수 있어요?, it can inquire about both ability and possibility. For instance, 운전할 수 있어요? could mean 'Do you know how to drive?' (ability) or 'Is it possible for you to drive (e.g., do you have a license, are you sober)?' (possibility). The surrounding conversation clarifies the intended meaning.

Common Mistakes

Even proficient learners can stumble over certain nuances and common errors when using -(으)ㄹ 수 있다/없다. Being aware of these pitfalls will help you achieve more natural and grammatically sound Korean.
  1. 1Forgetting the Space Before 수: This is perhaps the most frequent error. As established, 수 is an independent noun. Merging it directly with the verb stem (*갈수있어요 instead of 갈 수 있어요) is grammatically incorrect. Always leave a space: 동사 + -(으)ㄹ + [SPACE] + 수 있다/없다.
  • Incorrect: 저는 한국말을 할수있어요.
  • Correct: 저는 한국말을 할 수 있어요. (I can speak Korean.)
  1. 1Using -(으)ㄹ 수 있다/없다 with Adjectives: This pattern is strictly for verbs (actions) because it expresses the ability or possibility to do something. Adjectives describe states or qualities. You cannot 'have the ability' to be beautiful or busy. Korean has other ways to express possibility or inability with adjectives, such as ~지 않다 (for negation) or changing the adjective into a verb using ~아/어지다 (to become).
  • Incorrect: *오늘 바쁠 수 없어요. (I cannot be busy today.)
  • Correct (negation): 오늘 바쁘지 않아요. (I'm not busy today.)
  • Correct (state change possibility): 더 예뻐질 수 있어요. (You can become prettier.)
  1. 1Mispronunciation of 수: Due to the ㄹ batchim preceding it (e.g., 할, 먹을), the initial ㅅ sound in 수 often undergoes tensification, similar to 된소리되기 (tensed consonant assimilation). It is pronounced as a strong, tensed ㅆ sound (like in 싸다), resulting in [쑤] rather than a soft [수]. This subtle but important phonetic detail can significantly impact how native speakers perceive your speech.
  • 갈 수 있어요 is pronounced approximately [갈 쑤 이써요], not [갈 수 이써요].
  1. 1Overusing for Polite Requests: While -(으)ㄹ 수 있어요? technically asks 'Is it possible for you to...?', it can sound direct or even blunt when making a request for a favor. It implies questioning the other person's capability or the situation's feasibility, rather than politely asking for their cooperation. For softer, more natural requests, use patterns like ~아/어도 돼요? (Is it okay if I...?), ~주시겠어요? (Would you please...?), or ~주실 수 있어요? (Can you please give me... - a slightly more polite form combining 주다 with the ability pattern).
  • Direct/Less natural request: 문 좀 열 수 있어요? (Can you open the door?)
  • More polite/natural request: 문 좀 열어 주시겠어요? (Would you please open the door?)
  1. 1Confusing -(으)ㄹ 수 없다 with 못 or 안: All three convey negation, but with distinct nuances and usage contexts.
  • -(으)ㄹ 수 없다: Expresses inherent inability or situational impossibility, often sounding more objective and factual. It indicates that the action cannot be done for a specific reason or lack of capacity.
  • 저는 술을 마실 수 없어요. (I cannot drink alcohol.) - (e.g., due to a medical condition or personal choice, an objective inability).
  • 못 (cannot): A short-form negation that often implies an unwillingness or inability due to external circumstances preventing the action, even if the person could do it. It usually precedes the verb.
  • 저는 술을 못 마셔요. (I can't drink alcohol.) - (e.g., I don't want to, or I'm busy tonight).
  • 안 (not): A simple, volitional negation, indicating that the speaker chooses not to do something, or that something simply does not happen. It implies choice or a straightforward negative statement.
  • 저는 술을 안 마셔요. (I don't drink alcohol.) - (e.g., I choose not to drink as a habit).
| Negation Form | Nuance/Meaning | Example (Standard Polite) |
|-----------------------|-----------------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------|
| -(으)ㄹ 수 없다 | Inherent inability / Situational impossibility | 운전할 수 없어요. (I can't drive.) |
| 못 (short form) | External circumstance prevents / Unwillingness | 운전 못 해요. (I can't drive.) |
| 안 (short form) | Speaker chooses not to / Simple negative statement | 운전 안 해요. (I don't drive.) |
Understanding these distinctions allows you to choose the most precise and natural way to express negation in Korean.

Real Conversations

To truly grasp -(으)ㄹ 수 있다/없다, observing its use in various real-world contexts is essential. The pattern's versatility allows it to appear in formal and casual settings, online and offline, reflecting its importance in expressing ability and possibility.

Casual Texting / Social Media (해체):

In informal communication, the casual -(으)ㄹ 수 있어/없어 is common. It's concise and direct, often used among friends or peers.

- Friend A: 오늘 저녁에 영화 볼 수 있어? (Can you watch a movie tonight?)

- Friend B: 미안, 오늘은 일이 많아서 못 볼 수 없어. (Sorry, I have a lot of work today, so I can't watch it.)

- Social Media Post: 드디어 한국어로 책을 다 읽을 수 있었어! 감격! (Finally, I could read a whole book in Korean! So touched!)

Standard Daily Conversation (해요체):

This is the most common politeness level you'll encounter and use in everyday interactions with strangers, acquaintances, or colleagues.

- Café Order: 아메리카노 따뜻한 걸로 한 잔 주실 수 있으세요? (Could you give me one warm Americano? - a polite request)

- Declining an Invitation: 죄송하지만 이번 주말에는 약속이 있어서 갈 수 없어요. (I'm sorry, but I have plans this weekend, so I can't go.)

- Asking for Help: 이거 어떻게 하는지 좀 알려 주실 수 있어요? (Could you tell me how to do this?)

Formal Settings / Work Emails (합니다체):

In professional environments, presentations, or formal writing, the -(으)ㄹ 수 있습니다/없습니다 form maintains respect and professionalism. This shows a keen awareness of social hierarchy and formal etiquette.

- Work Email (Subject: Project Update): 죄송합니다만, 마감일까지 보고서를 제출할 수 없습니다. (I apologize, but I cannot submit the report by the deadline.)

- Meeting Statement: 저희 팀은 주어진 시간 내에 이 문제를 해결할 수 있습니다. (Our team can resolve this issue within the given timeframe.)

Cultural Insights:

Koreans often use this pattern to express difficulty or hesitation indirectly. Instead of saying "I won't do it," they might say "I can't do it" (할 수 없어요), even if it's more about unwillingness or a strong preference. This can soften the refusal, aligning with cultural tendencies to avoid direct confrontation or blunt statements.

- Instead of: 저는 그 음식을 안 먹어요. (I don't eat that food.)

- Often: 저는 그 음식을 잘 먹을 수 없어요. (I can't really eat that food.) - implies difficulty or a dislike without being too direct.

These examples highlight how native speakers fluidly adapt the pattern's politeness level and context to express a nuanced range of abilities and possibilities in their daily lives. Observing and imitating these natural uses will significantly enhance your fluency.

Quick FAQ

This section addresses common questions that arise during the learning process, providing quick answers to solidify your understanding of -(으)ㄹ 수 있다/없다.
  • Q: Can -(으)ㄹ 수 있다/없다 be used in different tenses?

Absolutely. The -(으)ㄹ 수 part remains constant, and only the final 있다 or 없다 is conjugated for tense. This allows you to express ability or possibility in the past, present, or future.

  • Past Tense: -(으)ㄹ 수 있었다 / -(으)ㄹ 수 없었다
  • Example: 어제는 너무 바빠서 숙제를 할 수 없었어요. (Yesterday, I was too busy, so I couldn't do my homework.)
  • Example: 어렸을 때 저는 수영을 잘 할 수 있었어요. (When I was young, I could swim well.)
  • Future Tense: -(으)ㄹ 수 있을 거예요 / -(으)ㄹ 수 없을 거예요 (used for conjecture or strong expectation of future ability/possibility)
  • Example: 다음 주에는 만날 수 있을 거예요. (I'll probably be able to meet next week.)
  • Example: 시험이 너무 어려워서 합격할 수 없을 거예요. (The exam is too difficult, so I probably won't be able to pass.)
  • Q: Is -(으)ㄹ 수 있다 the same as -(으)ㄹ 줄 알다?

No, these patterns have distinct meanings, though both relate to 'can.'

  • -(으)ㄹ 수 있다: Expresses general ability or situational possibility (can do).
  • -(으)ㄹ 줄 알다: Specifically means 'to know how to do' something, implying a learned skill or knowledge. It emphasizes the acquisition of expertise.
  • Example: 저는 운전할 수 있어요. (I can drive.) - General statement of ability; I possess a license and can physically operate a car.
  • Example: 저는 운전할 줄 알아요. (I know how to drive.) - Specifically means I have learned the skill of driving.
You can know how to do something (-(으)ㄹ 줄 알다) but currently be unable to do it (-(으)ㄹ 수 없다) due to external circumstances. For instance, 저는 운전할 줄 알지만, 지금은 술을 마셔서 운전할 수 없어요. (I know how to drive, but I drank alcohol now, so I can't drive.)
  • Q: Why does Google Translate sometimes render -(으)ㄹ 수 있다 as "might" or "may"?

While its primary meaning is 'can' or 'be able to,' in very specific contexts, especially when paired with certain stative verbs or in more advanced grammatical structures, -(으)ㄹ 수 있다 can convey a sense of possibility or conjecture, similar to 'it might be' or 'it could be.' For A2 learners, however, it is most beneficial to consistently interpret it as 'can' or 'be able to' in the context of ability and direct possibility. Relying on the 'might' translation prematurely can lead to confusion and incorrect usage.

  • Example (Advanced Nuance): 그럴 수도 있다. (That could also be the case / That might be possible.) - Here, 그렇다 (to be so) combined with -(으)ㄹ 수 있다 leans towards possibility, but it's not a direct 'ability to be so.'
  • Q: Can I use -(으)ㄹ 수 없다 to indicate that I won't do something?

While -(으)ㄹ 수 없다 means 'cannot,' it is sometimes used indirectly to imply 'I won't' in situations where a direct refusal might sound too blunt. This is a cultural subtlety. However, for explicit refusal or stating a choice not to do something, 안 + verb or ~지 않다 is more direct.

  • Indirect refusal: 저는 매운 음식을 잘 먹을 수 없어요. (I can't really eat spicy food.) - Implies a dislike or inability to tolerate.
  • Direct refusal: 저는 매운 음식을 안 먹어요. (I don't eat spicy food.) - Clear statement of preference/choice.
Understanding these distinctions and common inquiries will help you navigate the complexities of Korean grammar more effectively and express yourself with greater precision.

Verb Conjugation Table

Verb Stem Ending Result
가다
가
ㄹ 수 있다
갈 수 있다
먹다
먹
을 수 있다
먹을 수 있다
보다
보
ㄹ 수 있다
볼 수 있다
읽다
읽
을 수 있다
읽을 수 있다
하다
하
ㄹ 수 있다
할 수 있다
듣다
듣
을 수 있다
들을 수 있다

Common Contractions

Full Form Common Usage
할 수 없어요
못 해요

Meanings

This grammar pattern expresses the ability to perform an action or the possibility of a situation occurring.

1

Physical Ability

Having the skill or physical capacity to do something.

“수영할 수 있어요.”

“운전할 수 있어요.”

2

Situational Possibility

Whether a situation is possible given the circumstances.

“내일 만날 수 있어요?”

“지금은 갈 수 없어요.”

Reference Table

Reference table for Can & Cannot in Korean: The ㄹ/을 수 있다/없다 Pattern
Form Structure Example
Affirmative
Stem + ㄹ/을 수 있다
갈 수 있어요
Negative
Stem + ㄹ/을 수 없다
갈 수 없어요
Question
Stem + ㄹ/을 수 있어요?
갈 수 있어요?
Past Affirmative
Stem + ㄹ/을 수 있었다
갈 수 있었어요
Past Negative
Stem + ㄹ/을 수 없었다
갈 수 없었어요
Polite
Stem + ㄹ/을 수 있습니다
갈 수 있습니다

Formality Spectrum

Formal
갈 수 있습니다.

갈 수 있습니다. (General)

Neutral
갈 수 있어요.

갈 수 있어요. (General)

Informal
갈 수 있어.

갈 수 있어. (General)

Slang
갈 수 있네.

갈 수 있네. (General)

Ability Map

ㄹ/을 수 있다

Skills

  • 수영 swim
  • 운전 drive

Possibility

  • 만남 meeting
  • 식사 eating
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Examples by Level

1

한국어를 할 수 있어요.

I can speak Korean.

2

수영할 수 있어요.

I can swim.

3

갈 수 있어요.

I can go.

4

먹을 수 있어요.

I can eat.

1

내일 만날 수 있어요?

Can we meet tomorrow?

2

지금은 갈 수 없어요.

I cannot go now.

3

운전할 수 있어요?

Can you drive?

4

이것을 읽을 수 있어요.

I can read this.

1

그 소식을 믿을 수 없었어요.

I couldn't believe the news.

2

도와줄 수 있을까요?

Could you help me?

3

그는 영어를 유창하게 말할 수 있습니다.

He can speak English fluently.

4

비가 올 수 있으니까 우산을 챙기세요.

It might rain, so take an umbrella.

1

그 문제는 해결할 수 있는 방법이 있어요.

There is a way to solve that problem.

2

우리가 성공할 수 있을지 모르겠어요.

I don't know if we can succeed.

3

모두가 만족할 수 있는 결과는 없습니다.

There is no result that can satisfy everyone.

4

그는 다시는 돌아올 수 없는 길을 떠났습니다.

He left on a path from which he could never return.

1

이론적으로는 가능하지만 실제로는 실행할 수 없습니다.

It is theoretically possible but practically impossible to execute.

2

그가 그런 실수를 할 수 있다는 게 믿기지 않습니다.

I cannot believe he is capable of such a mistake.

3

우리는 더 나은 미래를 건설할 수 있는 잠재력이 있습니다.

We have the potential to build a better future.

4

어떤 상황에서도 포기하지 않을 수 있는 용기가 필요합니다.

You need the courage to not give up in any situation.

1

그의 행동은 도저히 이해할 수 없는 수준이었습니다.

His behavior was at a level that was completely incomprehensible.

2

역사는 반복될 수 있다는 사실을 간과해서는 안 됩니다.

One must not overlook the fact that history can repeat itself.

3

그는 누구도 부정할 수 없는 명백한 증거를 제시했습니다.

He presented clear evidence that no one could deny.

4

우리가 직면한 난관은 극복할 수 없는 것이 아닙니다.

The challenges we face are not insurmountable.

Easily Confused

Can & Cannot in Korean: The ㄹ/을 수 있다/없다 Pattern vs 못 vs ㄹ/을 수 없다

Both mean 'cannot', but '못' is an adverb and 'ㄹ/을 수 없다' is a grammar pattern.

Can & Cannot in Korean: The ㄹ/을 수 있다/없다 Pattern vs ㄹ/을 수 있다 vs ㄹ/을 줄 알다

Both relate to ability, but '줄 알다' specifically means 'knowing how' to do something.

Can & Cannot in Korean: The ㄹ/을 수 있다/없다 Pattern vs ㄹ/을 수 있다 vs 가능성

Learners try to use '가능성' as a verb.

Common Mistakes

✗

가다 수 있다

✓

갈 수 있다

Must use the modifier form.
✗

먹을수있다

✓

먹을 수 있다

Missing space.
✗

가ㄹ 수 있다

✓

갈 수 있다

Incorrect consonant usage.
✗

먹ㄹ 수 있다

✓

먹을 수 있다

Incorrect vowel usage.
✗

갈 수 없어요

✓

갈 수 없어요

Wait, this is correct. The mistake is usually '갈 수 안 있어요'.
✗

못 갈 수 있어요

✓

갈 수 없어요

Double negative.
✗

먹을 수 안 있어요

✓

먹을 수 없어요

Incorrect negation.
✗

할 수 있었다

✓

할 수 있었다

This is correct, but learners often use present tense for past.
✗

가고 싶을 수 있어요

✓

갈 수 있어요

Confusing desire with ability.
✗

먹을 수 있을 것 같아요

✓

먹을 수 있어요

Over-hedging.
✗

할 수 있는 게 아니다

✓

할 수 없다

Too wordy.
✗

먹을 수 없게 되었다

✓

먹을 수 없게 되었다

This is correct, but often misused.
✗

갈 수 있는 상황이 아니다

✓

갈 수 없다

Too wordy.
✗

할 수 없지 않다

✓

할 수 있다

Double negative confusion.

Sentence Patterns

저는 ___할 수 있어요.

내일 ___할 수 있어요?

그것은 ___할 수 없어요.

우리는 ___할 수 있는 능력이 있어요.

Real World Usage

Texting constant

오늘 못 가요.

Job Interview very common

영어를 할 수 있습니다.

Ordering Food common

이거 먹을 수 있어요?

Travel common

여기서 사진 찍을 수 있어요?

Social Media common

다시 만날 수 있기를!

Food Delivery App occasional

배달할 수 있는 시간입니다.

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💡

Space is key

Always write '수' with a space before it. It is a noun!
⚠️

Don't confuse with '줄 알다'

Use 'ㄹ/을 줄 알다' for learned skills like swimming.
🎯

Use '못' for speed

In casual texting, '못' is much faster than 'ㄹ/을 수 없다'.
💬

Politeness

In formal settings, always use 'ㄹ/을 수 있습니다'.

Smart Tips

Use 'ㄹ/을 줄 알다' instead of 'ㄹ/을 수 있다'.

수영할 수 있어요. → 수영할 줄 알아요.

Use '못' for speed.

갈 수 없어요. → 못 가요.

Use 'ㄹ/을 수 없습니다'.

못 가요. → 갈 수 없습니다.

Check if it ends in a vowel or consonant.

먹ㄹ 수 있다. → 먹을 수 있다.

Pronunciation

gal-su-it-da

Liaison

The 'ㄹ' in '수' often links to the next word.

Question

갈 수 있어요? (Rising tone at the end)

Asking for confirmation.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'ㄹ/을' as a 'bridge' that connects the verb to the word '수' (possibility).

Visual Association

Imagine a person holding a 'CAN' (the soda) in one hand and a 'CAN'T' (a broken soda) in the other.

Rhyme

Vowel ends with ㄹ, consonant ends with 을, add 수 있다, now you're doing well!

Story

Min-su wanted to swim. He looked at the pool. He said, 'I can swim!' (수영할 수 있어요). Then he saw the water was frozen. He said, 'I cannot swim!' (수영할 수 없어요).

Word Web

할 수 있다갈 수 있다먹을 수 있다볼 수 있다읽을 수 있다만날 수 있다

Challenge

Write 5 sentences about things you can and cannot do today.

Cultural Notes

Koreans often use '못' instead of 'ㄹ 수 없다' in casual speech because it is shorter.

The pattern comes from the noun '수' (possibility/way) combined with the verb '있다' (to exist).

Conversation Starters

“

오늘 뭐 할 수 있어요?

“

한국 요리 할 수 있어요?

“

내일 우리 만날 수 있을까요?

“

이 문제를 해결할 수 있는 방법이 있을까요?

Journal Prompts

Write 3 things you can do in Korean.
Write about a skill you want to learn.
Describe a difficult situation you faced.
Discuss the potential of technology.

Common Mistakes

Incorrect

Correct

Incorrect

Correct

Incorrect

Correct

Incorrect

Correct

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Test Yourself

Fill in the blank.

저는 한국어를 ___ 수 있어요.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 할
하다 becomes 할 수 있다.
Choose the correct form. Multiple Choice

Which is correct?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 먹을 수 있다
Consonant stems take 을.
Fix the sentence. Error Correction

Find and fix the mistake:

가다 수 있어요.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 갈 수 있어요
Vowel stems take ㄹ.
Change to negative. Sentence Transformation

갈 수 있어요.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 갈 수 없어요
Change 있다 to 없다.
Match the verb to the potential form. Match Pairs

Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 갈 수 있다
Correct conjugation.
Order the words. Sentence Building

수 / 있어요 / 갈 / 수

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 갈 수 있어요
Correct word order.
Complete the dialogue. Dialogue Completion

A: 수영할 수 있어요? B: ___

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 네, 할 수 있어요.
Consistent answer.
Is this rule true? True False Rule

ㄹ/을 수 있다 is only for physical skills.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: False
It also covers situational possibility.

Score: /8

Practice Exercises

8 exercises
Fill in the blank.

저는 한국어를 ___ 수 있어요.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 할
하다 becomes 할 수 있다.
Choose the correct form. Multiple Choice

Which is correct?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 먹을 수 있다
Consonant stems take 을.
Fix the sentence. Error Correction

Find and fix the mistake:

가다 수 있어요.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 갈 수 있어요
Vowel stems take ㄹ.
Change to negative. Sentence Transformation

갈 수 있어요.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 갈 수 없어요
Change 있다 to 없다.
Match the verb to the potential form. Match Pairs

Match: 가다

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 갈 수 있다
Correct conjugation.
Order the words. Sentence Building

수 / 있어요 / 갈 / 수

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 갈 수 있어요
Correct word order.
Complete the dialogue. Dialogue Completion

A: 수영할 수 있어요? B: ___

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 네, 할 수 있어요.
Consistent answer.
Is this rule true? True False Rule

ㄹ/을 수 있다 is only for physical skills.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: False
It also covers situational possibility.

Score: /8

Practice Bank

10 exercises
Fill in the blank with the correct form of '만들다' (to make). Fill in the Blank

불고기를 ___ 수 있어요.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 만들
Which option is correct for a consonant-ending verb? Multiple Choice

Choose the correct form for '먹다' (to eat):

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 먹을 수 있어요.
Fix the error in using adjectives with this grammar. Error Correction

저는 오늘 바쁠 수 없어요.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 저는 오늘 바쁘지 않아요.
Put the words in the correct order to say: 'I can speak Korean.' Sentence Reorder

Order the words:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 한국어를 할 수 있어요.
Translate 'I cannot go tomorrow.' Translation

Which translation is correct?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 내일 갈 수 없어요.
Match the verb to its correct 'can' form. Match Pairs

Select the correct matches:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 가다 -> 갈 수 있다, 먹다 -> 먹을 수 있다, 놀다 -> 놀 수 있다
Fill in the blank to say 'Can you help me?' (돕다 - to help) Fill in the Blank

저를 ___ 수 있어요?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 도울
Select the most natural formal sentence. Multiple Choice

How do you say 'I can do it' in a job interview?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 할 수 있습니다.
Find and fix the conjugation mistake. Error Correction

한국에 살을 수 있어요.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 한국에 살 수 있어요.
Translate 'Can you swim?' Translation

Which translation is correct?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 수영할 수 있어요?

Score: /10

FAQ (8)

Yes, it works with almost all action verbs.

Yes, '못' is an adverb, 'ㄹ/을 수 없다' is a grammar pattern.

Because '수' is a noun meaning 'possibility'.

Yes, use 'ㄹ/을 수 있었다'.

It can be used in all registers by changing the ending.

Just add '수 있다' (e.g., 만들다 -> 만들 수 있다).

It is mostly for action verbs.

Extremely common.

Scaffolded Practice

1

1

2

2

3

3

4

4

Mastery Progress

Needs Practice

Improving

Strong

Mastered

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In Other Languages

Spanish high

Poder

Korean is a suffix-based language, Spanish is a verb-based language.

French high

Pouvoir

French uses a modal verb, Korean uses a grammatical construction.

German high

Können

German modal verbs conjugate for person, Korean does not.

Japanese high

～ことができる

Japanese uses the dictionary form, Korean uses the stem.

Arabic moderate

يستطيع

Arabic is VSO/SVO, Korean is SOV.

Chinese moderate

能 / 会

Chinese uses auxiliary verbs, Korean uses a grammatical suffix.

Learning Path

Prerequisites

Previous
Can / Cannot ((으)ㄹ 수 있다/없다)
Next
Going to do: (으)러

Learn These First

A2 Requires

Can / Cannot ((으)ㄹ 수 있다/없다)

Overview Korean, unlike English, differentiates several nuances of "can" or "cannot." The grammatical pattern `(으)ㄹ...

Related Grammar Rules

B2

No choice but to... (-ㄹ/을 수밖에 없다)

Overview The Korean grammar pattern `-(으)ㄹ 수밖에 없다` is a powerful expression of inevitability. It conveys that du...
A2

Present Progressive: -ing (고 있다)

Overview Korean, like English, distinguishes between habitual or general actions and actions that are actively in progre...
B2

To the Absolute Max: (-ㄹ/을 대로)

Overview Korean grammar employs `-(ㄹ/을) 대로` to express that a state or action has reached its absolute **utmost limi...
B2

Just/Only: Emphatic Limitation (-ㄹ/을 뿐이다)

Overview At the B2 CEFR level in Korean, you're moving beyond basic sentence construction to express nuanced ideas, subt...
B2

Logically Likely: -ㄹ/을 법하다

Overview `-(으)ㄹ 법하다` is a Korean grammar pattern that expresses a logical likelihood, plausibility, or reasonable e...
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