💪 Expressing Ability in Korean: -(으)ㄹ 수 있다 vs. 못하다
Learning how to say “I can” or “I can’t” is essential when speaking any language. In Korean, there are two common ways to express ability or inability: -(으)ㄹ 수 있다 and 못하다. Let’s break down how to use them and when to choose one over the other!
📘 Table of Contents
- 1. Sentence Structure
- 2. Using -(으)ㄹ 수 있다
- 3. Using 못하다
- 4. Difference Between the Two
- 5. Practical Examples
- 6. 💡 Did You Know?
- 7. 🎓 Want to Learn More Korean?
1. 🧱 Sentence Structure
Both expressions attach to the verb stem and form a separate meaning:
- -(으)ㄹ 수 있다: can do something
- 못하다 / -지 못하다: can’t do something
They are often interchangeable, but the nuance differs slightly. Let’s look into each one in detail.
2. ✔ Using -(으)ㄹ 수 있다
This form literally means “there is a way to do something” or “I am able to.” It is more objective and polite.
저는 수영할 수 있어요. (jeoneun suyeonghal su isseoyo) – I can swim.
내일 만날 수 있어요? (naeil mannal su isseoyo?) – Can we meet tomorrow?
3. ❌ Using 못하다 or -지 못하다
못하다 is a more casual and commonly used form to say you “can’t” do something, usually due to lack of ability or external circumstances.
저는 피아노를 못 쳐요. (jeoneun pianoreul mot chyeoyo) – I can’t play the piano.
지금은 통화하지 못해요. (jigeumeun tonghwahaji motaeyo) – I can’t talk on the phone right now.
4. 🆚 Difference Between the Two
| -(으)ㄹ 수 있다 | 못하다 |
|---|---|
| Polite and formal | Casual and spoken |
| Focus on possibility | Focus on inability or restriction |
| Common in written language | More used in conversation |
5. 🗣 Practical Examples
- 이 요리는 제가 할 수 있어요. (I can make this dish.)
- 오늘은 운동을 못 했어요. (I couldn’t exercise today.)
- 저는 일본어를 읽을 수 있어요. (I can read Japanese.)
- 그 사람은 운전하지 못해요. (He can’t drive.)
6. 💡 Did You Know?
💡 In Korean elementary schools, 1st graders learn swimming, jump rope, and hula hooping as part of PE. Korean children commonly say “할 수 있어요!” ("I can do it!") to cheer themselves on. It’s a popular phrase in kids’ shows and education materials.
7. 🎓 Want to Learn More Korean?
Practice speaking about your abilities in real-life scenarios with a native tutor! From “I can speak Korean” to “I can’t eat spicy food,” you’ll master the expressions through personalized lessons.
👉 Book a class with me on italki – Let’s level up your Korean!
