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A2 noun 10 min read

~을/를 수 있다/없다

~eul/reul su itda/eopda
Examples
Explanation ~을/를 수 있다/없다 in your Level:
At the A1 beginner level, the Korean grammar pattern -(으)ㄹ 수 있다 and -(으)ㄹ 수 없다 is usually introduced as a simple, fixed phrase to help you express basic survival needs. When you first start learning Korean, you need to be able to tell people what you can and cannot do. For example, you might need to say 'I cannot eat spicy food' or 'I can speak a little Korean.' At this stage, you do not need to worry too much about the deep grammatical mechanics of bound nouns and prospective modifiers. Instead, focus on memorizing the basic conjugation rules: if the verb ends in a vowel, you add -ㄹ 수 있다. If it ends in a consonant, you add -을 수 있다. You will practice this with high-frequency verbs like 가다 (to go), 먹다 (to eat), 하다 (to do), and 보다 (to see). You will learn that '할 수 있어요' means 'I can do it' and '할 수 없어요' means 'I cannot do it.' Teachers will encourage you to use this pattern to build simple, declarative sentences. For instance, '저는 수영을 할 수 있어요' (I can swim). You will also learn to ask simple questions by raising your intonation at the end: '한국어를 할 수 있어요?' (Can you speak Korean?). The focus at A1 is entirely on functional communication. You learn to recognize the sound of the phrase and associate it immediately with the English concept of 'can' or 'cannot'. You might also learn the shorter alternative '못' (cannot) because it is so common in spoken Korean, but -(으)ㄹ 수 없다 is essential for polite, complete sentences. By mastering this single grammar point, your ability to interact in Korean expands exponentially, allowing you to negotiate basic plans, explain your limitations, and ask others about their abilities.
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As you transition into the A2 elementary level, your understanding of -(으)ㄹ 수 있다/없다 becomes more structured and nuanced. You are no longer just memorizing fixed phrases; you are actively applying the conjugation rules across a much wider variety of verbs, including irregular verbs. At this level, you must master the 'ㄹ' irregulars (e.g., 만들다 becomes 만들 수 있다), 'ㄷ' irregulars (e.g., 듣다 becomes 들을 수 있다), and 'ㅂ' irregulars (e.g., 돕다 becomes 도울 수 있다). This requires a solid grasp of Korean phonetics and stem changes. Furthermore, at A2, you start to distinguish between different types of 'can'. You learn that while -(으)ㄹ 수 있다 is great for general possibility (e.g., 'It can rain tomorrow' - 내일 비가 올 수 있어요), it is sometimes better to use -(으)ㄹ 줄 알다 when talking specifically about learned skills (e.g., 'I know how to drive' - 운전할 줄 알아요). You also begin to combine this pattern with other grammatical structures. For instance, you learn to use it with reasons: '비가 와서 갈 수 없어요' (Because it is raining, I cannot go). You start conjugating the final '있다/없다' into the past tense to express 'could' or 'could not' (e.g., '어제 바빠서 만날 수 없었어요' - I was busy yesterday so I couldn't meet). The A2 level is all about expanding the flexibility of the grammar. You start using it in more complex sentences, linking clauses together, and adjusting the politeness level (습니다 vs. 어요) smoothly depending on who you are talking to. Your spacing in writing (할 수 있다) should also become perfectly consistent at this stage.
At the B1 intermediate level, the usage of -(으)ㄹ 수 있다/없다 becomes highly sophisticated. You are expected to use it effortlessly in fast-paced conversations and understand its subtle implications. At this stage, you heavily differentiate between physical ability, situational possibility, and permission, choosing the most appropriate grammar pattern for each. You will rely more on -아/어도 되다 for permission and 못 for situational inability, reserving -(으)ㄹ 수 있다 for pure possibility or formal statements of capability. Furthermore, B1 learners start encountering this pattern combined with passive verbs and causative verbs. For example, '이 글씨는 읽힐 수 없어요' (This handwriting cannot be read). You also learn to use it in complex hypothetical sentences using '-(으)면' (if). For instance, '돈이 있으면 차를 살 수 있어요' (If I have money, I can buy a car). You will also hear and use honorific forms naturally, such as '선생님, 도와주실 수 있으세요?' (Teacher, can you help me?). At B1, you are also exposed to idiomatic usages and fixed expressions that utilize this pattern. You understand that '어쩔 수 없다' means 'It cannot be helped' or 'There is no other way', a phrase used constantly in Korean daily life. You start reading longer texts, such as news articles or essays, where -(으)ㄹ 수 있다 is used to discuss societal trends, scientific possibilities, or economic forecasts. The grammar point transitions from a tool for personal survival to a tool for discussing abstract concepts and objective facts.
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At the B2 upper-intermediate level, your mastery of -(으)ㄹ 수 있다/없다 is nearly native-like in terms of grammatical accuracy, but your focus shifts to stylistic choices and register. You understand that in highly formal writing, such as academic papers, business reports, or official broadcasts, -(으)ㄹ 수 있다 is preferred over conversational alternatives like '못'. You are adept at using it to soften statements or make indirect suggestions. Instead of saying '이것은 틀렸습니다' (This is wrong), a B2 speaker might say '이것은 틀렸다고 볼 수 있습니다' (This can be seen as wrong), demonstrating a high level of diplomatic communication. You frequently combine it with complex sentence endings. For example, using -(으)ㄹ 수밖에 없다 to mean 'have no choice but to' (e.g., '포기할 수밖에 없었어요' - I had no choice but to give up). You also understand the nuance of placing emphasis on the '수' by adding particles, such as '할 수는 있다' (I *can* do it, but... implies a contrast or reluctance) or '할 수도 있다' (It is *also* possible that / It *might* be that). These subtle particle additions completely change the flavor of the sentence, and at B2, you use them intentionally to convey doubt, reluctance, or multiple possibilities. You can comfortably debate topics, using this structure to argue about what is feasible, probable, or impossible in society, politics, or hypothetical scenarios. Your listening comprehension is sharp enough to catch these nuances even when spoken rapidly in dramas or news debates.
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At the C1 advanced level, -(으)ㄹ 수 있다/없다 is a fully integrated part of your linguistic repertoire, and you manipulate it with the precision of a well-educated native speaker. You are highly aware of the subtle differences in tone when using this pattern versus highly advanced vocabulary like '가능하다' (possible) or '불가능하다' (impossible). You use complex, multi-clause structures where -(으)ㄹ 수 있다 serves as the anchor. For example, '이러한 현상은 현대 사회의 병폐로 해석될 수 있다' (This phenomenon can be interpreted as an ill of modern society). You effortlessly employ advanced derivations like '-(으)ㄹ 래야 -(으)ㄹ 수 없다' which means 'Even if I try/want to, I absolutely cannot' (e.g., '잊을 래야 잊을 수 없는 기억' - A memory I couldn't forget even if I tried). At this level, you are reading literature, academic journals, and historical texts where the pattern is used in abstract and philosophical contexts. You understand how authors use it to express existential possibilities or absolute limits. You also use it flawlessly in professional settings, crafting persuasive arguments, negotiating contracts, and delivering presentations where stating what can and cannot be done requires absolute clarity and appropriate formality. The focus is no longer on the grammar itself, but on using it as a vehicle for complex, nuanced, and culturally embedded thought.
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At the C2 mastery level, your use of -(으)ㄹ 수 있다/없다 transcends standard grammar and enters the realm of literary expression and profound cultural fluency. You instinctively know when to omit parts of the phrase for poetic or rhetorical effect, or how to use it in archaic or highly stylized contexts. You are deeply familiar with proverbs, classical idioms (Saja-seongea), and historical quotes that hinge on the concept of '수' (possibility/method). You understand that '수' can sometimes be used almost independently in highly advanced literary Korean to mean a move in a game (like Baduk/Go) or a strategic trick, and you see the etymological connection to the grammar pattern. You can write eloquent essays, compose poetry, or deliver impromptu speeches where the rhythm and flow of your sentences perfectly balance -(으)ㄹ 수 있다 with other complex structures. You can play with the grammar for humor, sarcasm, or profound emphasis. For instance, using it in a double negative for strong affirmation: '부인할 수 없는 사실이다' (It is a fact that cannot be denied). At C2, you do not just speak Korean; you inhabit the language, and your use of fundamental patterns like -(으)ㄹ 수 있다/없다 reflects a deep, intuitive alignment with the Korean mindset and worldview, expressing possibility and limitation exactly as a native intellectual would.
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Examples
The Korean grammar pattern -(으)ㄹ 수 있다 and -(으)ㄹ 수 없다 is one of the most fundamental, versatile, and frequently used structures in the Korean language. When you are learning Korean, expressing what you can and cannot do is absolutely essential for basic communication, survival, and building relationships with native speakers. This pattern translates directly to 'can' or 'cannot' in English, but understanding its literal translation provides a much deeper insight into how the Korean language constructs meaning and logic. The pattern consists of three distinct and important parts. First, we have the prospective modifier -(으)ㄹ. This modifier is attached to the stem of an action verb or a descriptive verb, and its primary function is to indicate a future action, an unfulfilled state, or a hypothetical situation. Second, we have the bound noun '수' (su). A bound noun in Korean is a special type of noun that cannot stand alone in a sentence; it must always be preceded by a modifying phrase. The word '수' translates to 'way', 'method', 'capability', or 'possibility'. Finally, we have the adjectives '있다' (itda), meaning 'to exist', and '없다' (eopda), meaning 'not to exist'.

저는 수영을 할 수 있습니다.

Therefore, when you put these three components together, the literal translation of -(으)ㄹ 수 있다 is 'The method or possibility to do the action exists.' Conversely, -(으)ㄹ 수 없다 literally means 'The method or possibility to do the action does not exist.' This highly logical and structural construction is very typical of Korean grammar, where complex meanings are built by stacking smaller, meaningful particles and bound nouns. People use this pattern in two primary contexts: ability and possibility.
Ability
Expressing physical or mental skills, such as speaking a language, playing an instrument, or lifting a heavy object. If you have learned how to do something, or if you possess the physical strength to do it, you use this pattern.

매운 음식을 먹을 수 없어요.

Possibility
Expressing whether a situation allows for an action to happen. This includes permission, availability, or environmental factors. For example, if it is raining, you cannot go on a picnic. The lack of possibility is expressed with this same pattern.

내일 비가 올 수 있어요.

It is vital to understand that while English uses the same word 'can' for both permission (Can I go to the bathroom?) and ability (Can you speak Korean?), Korean distinguishes these concepts more strictly in formal contexts, though -(으)ㄹ 수 있다 is widely used for both in casual speech.
Permission
While -아/어도 되다 is the standard grammar for asking permission (May I?), younger generations frequently use -(으)ㄹ 수 있다 to ask for permission in a softer, more indirect way.

여기에 앉을 수 있나요?

혼자서 갈 수 없어요.

Mastering this pattern early on will dramatically increase your fluency and confidence in Korean. It serves as a foundational building block for many other advanced grammatical structures. You will hear it constantly in Korean dramas, everyday conversations, news broadcasts, and K-pop songs. It is a truly ubiquitous element of the Korean language.
Using the -(으)ㄹ 수 있다/없다 pattern correctly requires a solid understanding of Korean verb conjugation rules. The rules depend entirely on the final letter of the verb stem to which you are attaching the grammar. In Korean, verbs and adjectives consist of a stem and the dictionary form ending '-다'. To conjugate, you must first drop the '-다' to find the stem. Once you have the stem, you look at whether it ends in a vowel, a consonant, or the specific consonant 'ㄹ'. These three categories dictate how the grammar is applied. Let us break down each rule in detail to ensure you can form sentences confidently and accurately.
Rule 1: Vowel Endings
If the verb stem ends in a vowel (meaning there is no batchim, or final consonant), you attach -ㄹ 수 있다/없다 directly to the bottom of the final syllable of the stem.

가다 (to go) -> 갈 수 있다

For example, with the verb '보다' (to see), you drop the '다' to get '보'. Since '보' ends in a vowel, you add 'ㄹ' to the bottom to make '볼', resulting in '볼 수 있다' (can see).
Rule 2: Consonant Endings
If the verb stem ends in a consonant (meaning it has a batchim), you must attach -을 수 있다/없다. The '으' acts as a cushion to make pronunciation easier.

먹다 (to eat) -> 먹을 수 있다

Take the verb '읽다' (to read). Drop the '다' to get '읽'. Because it ends in a consonant cluster, you add '-을 수 있다' to make '읽을 수 있다' (can read).
Rule 3: ㄹ Irregular
If the verb stem already ends in the consonant 'ㄹ', you do not add another 'ㄹ' or '을'. You simply use the existing 'ㄹ' and add '수 있다/없다'.

만들다 (to make) -> 만들 수 있다

음악을 들을 수 있어요.

제가 도울 수 있습니다.

Once you have formed the basic phrase, you must conjugate the final '있다' or '없다' to match the politeness level of your conversation. For formal polite situations, use 있습니다/없습니다. For standard polite situations, use 있어요/없어요. For casual speech with close friends or younger people, use 있어/없어. Furthermore, if you want to express the past tense ('could' or 'could not'), you conjugate the final verb into the past tense: -(으)ㄹ 수 있었다 or -(으)ㄹ 수 없었다. It is extremely important not to put the past tense marker on the main verb stem; it always goes on the final '있다/없다'. By practicing these conjugation rules repeatedly, you will soon be able to formulate sentences automatically without having to pause and think about the batchim.
The grammar pattern -(으)ㄹ 수 있다/없다 is ubiquitous in Korean society. You will encounter it in virtually every aspect of daily life, from casual conversations with friends to formal business meetings, public announcements, and written signs. Understanding where and how this phrase is used in the real world will greatly enhance your listening comprehension and cultural fluency. One of the most common places you will see this pattern is on public signs and notices.
Public Signs
Signs indicating prohibitions or permissions frequently utilize this grammar. For instance, a sign near a fragile museum exhibit might read '만질 수 없습니다' (You cannot touch).

들어갈 수 없습니다.

Customer Service
When you are shopping or at a restaurant, staff will often use this pattern to politely inform you of what is possible. '환불할 수 없습니다' means 'You cannot get a refund.'

카드로 계산할 수 있나요?

Beyond commercial settings, you will hear this pattern constantly in the workplace. Colleagues discussing project feasibility will say '내일까지 끝낼 수 있어요' (I can finish it by tomorrow). When asking for favors, it is a crucial structure.
Asking for Favors
To politely request help, Koreans often ask 'Is it possible for you to help me?' rather than a direct command.

저를 도와주실 수 있나요?

창문을 닫아 주실 수 있어요?

이해할 수 없어!

In Korean media, such as K-dramas, you will frequently hear dramatic exclamations like '이럴 수 없어!' which translates to 'This cannot be!' or 'This is impossible!' It is a staple of emotional scenes. Furthermore, in educational settings, teachers use it to instruct students on what they are capable of achieving, saying '여러분은 할 수 있습니다!' (Everyone, you can do it!). The phrase '할 수 있다' (I can do it) is also a very common motivational mantra in Korea, used by athletes, students studying for exams, and professionals facing tough challenges. By paying attention to these contexts, you will realize that -(으)ㄹ 수 있다 is not just a grammar point, but a key to navigating Korean society.
When English speakers learn the Korean pattern -(으)ㄹ 수 있다/없다, they often make several predictable mistakes due to direct translation habits and misunderstandings of Korean spacing and tense rules. Addressing these common errors early in your learning journey will save you from developing bad habits and will make your Korean sound much more natural and precise.
Spacing Errors
The most frequent written mistake is ignoring the spaces. Because 'can' is one word in English, learners tend to write '할수있다' as a single block. However, '수' is an independent noun (a bound noun) and must have spaces before and after it: '할 수 있다'.

Correct: 수영을 할 수 있습니다.

Incorrect: 수영을 할수있습니다.

Tense Misplacement
Another major issue is placing the past tense marker on the main verb rather than on '있다/없다'. To say 'I could not go', learners sometimes say '갔을 수 없다'. This is incorrect. The past tense must be applied to the final verb: '갈 수 없었다'.

어제 만날 수 없었어요.

Overusing for 'Know How To'
English speakers use 'can' for learned skills (I can speak French). While -(으)ㄹ 수 있다 is acceptable, native Koreans often prefer -(으)ㄹ 줄 알다 for skills acquired through learning. Overusing -(으)ㄹ 수 있다 can sometimes sound slightly unnatural in these specific contexts.

한국어를 할 수 있어요. (Acceptable, but focuses on possibility/ability)

한국어를 할 줄 알아요. (More natural for a learned language skill)

Finally, a subtle but important mistake is using -(으)ㄹ 수 있다 to ask for permission in highly formal situations. While acceptable among friends ('나 이거 먹을 수 있어?'), in formal settings, it is much more polite to use -아/어도 되다 ('이것을 먹어도 됩니까?'). Using -(으)ㄹ 수 있다 in formal permission scenarios can sound a bit demanding or overly direct. By being mindful of spacing, tense placement, nuanced meanings, and formality levels, you will master this grammar point and avoid the typical pitfalls that trap many beginners.
The Korean language is incredibly rich in nuance, and there are several grammatical structures that express ideas similar to -(으)ㄹ 수 있다/없다. Understanding these alternatives will allow you to express yourself with much greater precision and sound more like a native speaker. While -(으)ㄹ 수 있다 is the direct translation of 'can', it is often not the only, or even the best, choice depending on the exact context of what you are trying to say. Let us explore the most common alternatives and how they differ.
-(으)ㄹ 줄 알다 / 모르다
This pattern translates to 'knowing how to do something' or 'not knowing how to do something'. It is specifically used for learned abilities and skills. For example, playing the piano, speaking a language, or riding a bike. While you can use -(으)ㄹ 수 있다 for these, -(으)ㄹ 줄 알다 emphasizes the knowledge behind the skill.

피아노를 칠 줄 알아요. (I know how to play the piano.)

못 (mot) + Verb
The adverb '못' is a shorter, more conversational way to say 'cannot'. It is placed directly before the verb. '못 가요' (I cannot go) has the exact same meaning as '갈 수 없어요', but it is punchier and used constantly in spoken Korean. It implies you want to do it, but some external circumstance prevents you.

오늘 바빠서 못 가요. (I am busy today so I cannot go.)

-아/어도 되다
This is the dedicated grammar for permission. It translates to 'Is it okay if I...?' or 'You may...'. If you are asking if you 'can' do something in the sense of asking for permission, this is much more natural and polite than -(으)ㄹ 수 있다.

사진을 찍어도 됩니까? (May I take a picture?)

네, 찍으셔도 됩니다. (Yes, you may take a picture.)

가능하다 (to be possible)

Knowing when to use -(으)ㄹ 수 있다 versus -(으)ㄹ 줄 알다, 못, or -아/어도 되다 is a major milestone in reaching an intermediate level of Korean. It shows that you understand not just the literal translation of English words, but the underlying cultural and linguistic rules of how Koreans express capability, permission, and possibility.
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Examples by Level

1

저는 수영을 할 수 있어요.

I can swim.

하다 -> 할 수 있다

2

한국어를 할 수 있어요?

Can you speak Korean?

Question form with rising intonation.

3

매운 음식을 먹을 수 없어요.

I cannot eat spicy food.

먹다 -> 먹을 수 없다 (consonant ending)

4

내일 만날 수 있어요?

Can we meet tomorrow?

만나다 -> 만날 수 있다

5

여기에 앉을 수 있어요?

Can I sit here?

앉다 -> 앉을 수 있다

6

저는 갈 수 없어요.

I cannot go.

가다 -> 갈 수 없다

7

이것을 볼 수 있어요?

Can you see this?

보다 -> 볼 수 있다

8

물 좀 마실 수 있어요?

Can I drink some water?

마시다 -> 마실 수 있다

1

비가 와서 공원에 갈 수 없어요.

I can't go to the park because it's raining.

Combined with -아/어서 (reason).

2

어제 너무 바빠서 숙제를 할 수 없었어요.

I was too busy yesterday so I couldn't do my homework.

Past tense applied to 없다 -> 없었어요.

3

조금 더 천천히 말해 주실 수 있어요?

Can you speak a little more slowly?

Using 주다 for a polite request.

4

이 노래를 들을 수 있어요?

Can you hear this song?

듣다 is a ㄷ-irregular verb -> 들을 수 있다.

5

제가 문을 열어 드릴 수 있습니다.

I can open the door for you.

Formal polite form (습니다).

6

운전할 수 있지만, 차가 없어요.

I can drive, but I don't have a car.

Combined with -지만 (but).

7

도서관에서 책을 빌릴 수 있어요.

You can borrow books at the library.

빌리다 -> 빌릴 수 있다.

8

이 케이크를 혼자 다 먹을 수 없어요.

I can't eat this whole cake by myself.

Using 다 (all) with the negative form.

1

주말에는 차가 막혀서 일찍 도착할 수 없을 거예요.

Because traffic is heavy on weekends, we probably won't be able to arrive early.

Combined with future assumption -(으)ㄹ 거예요.

2

아무리 노력해도 그 사람의 마음을 바꿀 수는 없어요.

No matter how hard I try, I cannot change that person's mind.

Adding particle 는 for emphasis: 바꿀 수는 없다.

3

이 문제는 혼자서 해결할 수 없으니까 도와주세요.

I cannot solve this problem alone, so please help me.

Combined with -(으)니까 (reason).

4

내일 회의에 참석하실 수 있는지 확인해 주세요.

Please check if you can attend tomorrow's meeting.

Using -(으)ㄴ/는지 (whether or not).

5

그분은 외국인이지만 한국어를 원어민처럼 할 수 있어요.

Even though he is a foreigner, he can speak Korean like a native speaker.

Using 처럼 (like).

6

이 앱을 사용하면 택시를 쉽게 부를 수 있습니다.

If you use this app, you can easily call a taxi.

부르다 is an 르-irregular verb.

7

시간이 없어서 점심을 먹을 수밖에 없었어요.

I had no time, so I had no choice but to eat lunch (quickly/etc).

Using -(으)ㄹ 수밖에 없다 (have no choice but to).

8

그 소문을 믿을 수도 없고, 안 믿을 수도 없네요.

I can't believe the rumor, but I can't not believe it either.

Using 도 (also/even) for conflicting possibilities.

1

이러한 경제 위기 상황에서는 기업들이 투자를 줄일 수밖에 없습니다.

In such an economic crisis, companies have no choice but to reduce investment.

Formal business context with 수밖에 없다.

2

스트레스는 만성 질환의 주요 원인이 될 수 있다고 전문가들은 말합니다.

Experts say that stress can be a major cause of chronic diseases.

Indirect quotation -다고 하다 combined with 수 있다.

3

그의 주장은 논리적 오류가 많아서 도저히 받아들일 수 없는 입장입니다.

His argument has many logical fallacies, so it is a position that absolutely cannot be accepted.

Using 도저히 (absolutely not) with the negative form.

4

이번 프로젝트의 성공 여부는 팀원들의 협력에 달려 있다고 볼 수 있습니다.

The success of this project can be seen as depending on the cooperation of the team members.

-다고 볼 수 있다 (can be seen as).

5

아무리 뛰어난 기술이라도 윤리적 기준을 무시한다면 사회적 비판을 피할 수 없을 것입니다.

No matter how outstanding the technology is, if it ignores ethical standards, it will not be able to avoid social criticism.

Complex conditional and future negative capability.

6

환경 보호를 위해 일회용품 사용을 줄이는 것은 누구나 실천할 수 있는 작은 노력입니다.

Reducing the use of disposable items for environmental protection is a small effort anyone can practice.

Using the pattern as a noun modifie

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