Significado
To express capability or possibility of achieving something.
Contexto cultural
The 'Can-do spirit' (할 수 있다 정신) is a major part of the national identity, linked to the rapid economic growth of the 1970s. It emphasizes that with enough effort, any goal is achievable. In a Korean office, saying '할 수 있습니다' (I can do it) is often expected when a boss gives a task, even if it seems difficult. It shows a positive and proactive attitude. When asking for a favor, using '할 수 있어요?' is polite, but adding '혹시' (by any chance) makes it even softer and more culturally appropriate. Korean parents and teachers frequently use this phrase to encourage students. It's seen as a way to build self-confidence in a highly competitive environment.
The Magic Word
If you are stuck in Korea and need help, just point and say '할 수 있어요?' with a questioning tone. People will understand you are asking for help or permission.
Don't over-use it for skills
If you say '한국어 할 수 있어요' too confidently, people might start speaking very fast! It's often better to say '조금 할 수 있어요' (I can do a little).
Significado
To express capability or possibility of achieving something.
The Magic Word
If you are stuck in Korea and need help, just point and say '할 수 있어요?' with a questioning tone. People will understand you are asking for help or permission.
Don't over-use it for skills
If you say '한국어 할 수 있어요' too confidently, people might start speaking very fast! It's often better to say '조금 할 수 있어요' (I can do a little).
Negative Shortcut
Instead of '할 수 없어요', use '못 해요' in 90% of casual conversations. It's faster and sounds more native.
Encouragement
Say '할 수 있어요!' to your Korean friends when they are stressed. It's the best way to show support.
Teste-se
Fill in the blank with the correct form of '할 수 있다'.
저는 한국 노래를 ____. (I can sing Korean songs.)
The verb is '부르다'. Since it ends in a vowel, we add '-ㄹ 수 있어요'.
Which sentence means 'I cannot go today'?
Choose the correct negative form.
To say 'cannot', replace '있다' with '없다'.
Complete the dialogue.
A: 매운 음식을 먹을 수 있어요? B: 아니요, ____.
'못 먹어요' is the most natural way to say 'I can't eat it' in response to an ability question.
Match the sentence to the situation.
Sentence: '여기서 담배를 피울 수 없어요.'
The sentence means 'You cannot smoke here', which is a rule.
🎉 Pontuação: /4
Recursos visuais
Three Pillars of '할 수 있다'
Ability
- • Swimming
- • Speaking Korean
- • Cooking
Possibility
- • Meeting tomorrow
- • Buying a car
- • Going on a trip
Permission
- • Asking for help
- • Borrowing a pen
- • Entering a room
Banco de exercicios
4 exercicios저는 한국 노래를 ____. (I can sing Korean songs.)
The verb is '부르다'. Since it ends in a vowel, we add '-ㄹ 수 있어요'.
Choose the correct negative form.
To say 'cannot', replace '있다' with '없다'.
A: 매운 음식을 먹을 수 있어요? B: 아니요, ____.
'못 먹어요' is the most natural way to say 'I can't eat it' in response to an ability question.
Sentence: '여기서 담배를 피울 수 없어요.'
The sentence means 'You cannot smoke here', which is a rule.
🎉 Pontuação: /4
Perguntas frequentes
10 perguntasYes, it is polite, but '할 수 있습니다' is better for formal reports, and '하시겠습니까?' is better when asking the boss to do something.
'가능해요' is more formal and often used for systems or schedules (e.g., 'Is this date possible?'). '할 수 있어요' is more personal.
Yes, '화장실 갈 수 있어요?' works, but '화장실 가도 돼요?' is more common for permission.
Use '할 수 있었어요'.
Because '수' is a bound noun, and Korean spacing rules require a space before and after nouns.
No, this is for verbs. For adjectives, you would use a different structure like '-아/어질 수 있다' (to become...).
Only if you say it to someone older or of higher status. With friends, it's perfect.
It means 'I have no choice but to do it'. It's an advanced variation.
No, '수' has many meanings in Korean (water, hand, number), but here it means 'method' or 'way'.
Use '절대 할 수 없어요' (I absolutely cannot).
Frases relacionadas
할 수 없다
contrastTo be unable to do
못 하다
similarCannot do
할 줄 알다
similarTo know how to do
가능하다
specialized formTo be possible
할 수도 있다
builds onMight be able to / Might do
해내다
builds onTo pull something off
