🧐 Expressing Possibility in Korean: How to Use -(으)
Ever wanted to say something *might happen* or *could happen* in Korean? That's where the expression -(으)\u308b \uc218\ub3c4 \uc788\ub2e4 comes in! It’s a versatile grammar pattern that lets you talk about possibility or probability in everyday conversation.
📚 Table of Contents
1. What Does -(으) Mean?
This pattern literally translates to “there is also the possibility of doing...” or simply “might/could.” You attach it to verbs to indicate potential outcomes.
2. How to Use It
- Verb stem + -(으)
- If the verb ends in a consonant, add -을 수 있어요
- If the verb ends in a vowel, add -ㄹ 수 있어요
This form is commonly used in both spoken and written Korean, and you can change the tense:
- 할 수 있어요 – I can/might do it
- 했을 수도 있어요 – It might have happened
- 할 수도 있을 거예요 – It might happen
3. Example Sentences
- 한국어: 비가 올 수도 있어요.
발음: bi-ga ol su-do i-sseo-yo
영어: It might rain. - 한국어: 오늘 사람이 많을 수도 있어요.
발음: o-neul sa-ram-i manh-eul su-do i-sseo-yo
영어: There might be a lot of people today. - 한국어: 그 사람이 늦을 수도 있어요.
발음: geu sa-ram-i neut-eul su-do i-sseo-yo
영어: That person might be late. - 한국어: 일이 생각보다 쉬울 수도 있어요.
발음: il-i saeng-gak-bo-da swi-ul su-do i-sseo-yo
영어: The task might be easier than expected. - 한국어: 주말에 여행을 갈 수도 있어요.
발음: ju-mal-e yeo-haeng-eul gal su-do i-sseo-yo
영어: I might go on a trip this weekend.
4. Common Mistakes & Tips
- Don't confuse -을 수 있다 (can) with -을 수도 있다 (might).
- Use 도 (also/even) to show uncertainty or an unexpected outcome.
- This pattern works well with modal verbs and conditionals.
5. Practice Korean with Me!
Want to practice expressing your thoughts with confidence? Learn how to naturally talk about possibilities, plans, and conditions in Korean.
🎓 Book a class with me on italki and take your Korean to the next level!
6. Did You Know?
Did you know? Korean is the official language of both South and North Korea and is spoken by over 80 million people worldwide! In countries like the U.S., China, and Uzbekistan, there are thriving Korean communities. The Korean alphabet, Hangul, is one of the most scientifically designed writing systems in the world.
