TOPIK 1Expressions
-(으)ㄹ 수 있다/없다
Can/Cannot -(으)ㄹ 수 있다/없다
Expresses ability or possibility
Description
This pattern expresses ability ('can') or inability ('cannot') to do something. 있다 for 'can', 없다 for 'cannot'.
Usage
Used to talk about skills, abilities, possibilities, or permissions. Add -(으)ㄹ 수 있다 for 'can' and -(으)ㄹ 수 없다 for 'cannot'.
Formation Rules
- 1Stem ending in consonant + 을 수 있다/없다
- 2Stem ending in vowel or ㄹ + ㄹ 수 있다/없다
Tips
- 💡수 literally means 'way' or 'method'
- 💡Can be conjugated: 있어요/없어요, 있습니다/없습니다
- 💡Different from -겠- which expresses intention/conjecture
Example Sentences
한국어를 말할 수 있어요.
Hangugeoreul malhal su isseoyo.
I can speak Korean.
수영할 수 없어요.
Suyeonghal su eopseoyo.
I cannot swim.
여기에서 사진을 찍을 수 있어요?
Yeogieseo sajineul jjigeul su isseoyo?
Can I take photos here?
Related Patterns
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