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-을 수 있다Korean expression · TOPIK 1

-eul su itda

TOPIK 1 1급Expressions 표현2 senses

One expression with 2 distinct uses in the dictionary. Each is below with its own usage rule and examples.

형태Forms

-을 수 있다-ㄹ 수 있다

Which one you use is decided by what comes in front of it — see the usage rule under each meaning below.

An expression used to indicate that one has an ability to do something.

어떤 일을 할 수 있는 능력이 있음을 나타내는 표현.

쓰임Usage

Attaches after verbs ending in a consonant other than ㄹ.

‘ㄹ’을 제외한 받침 있는 동사 뒤에 붙여 쓴다.

예문Examples

매운 음식을 먹을 수 있어요.

I can eat spicy food.

저는 한자도 읽을 수 있어요.

I can also read Chinese characters.

배가 고프지만 참을 수 있었어요.

I was hungry, but I could endure it.

대화In conversation

저기 모기가 있는데 잡을 수 있겠어?

There's a mosquito over there—can you catch it?

어디? 어디에 있는지 잘 모르겠는데.

Where? I can't really see where it is.

An expression used to indicate that an act or state is possible.

어떤 행동이나 상태가 가능함을 나타내는 표현.

쓰임Usage

Attaches after verbs and adjectives ending in a consonant other than ㄹ.

'ㄹ’을 제외한 받침 있는 동사와 형용사 뒤에 붙여 쓴다.

예문Examples

그 사람의 말은 믿을 수 있어요.

You can trust what that person says.

길이 막혀서 조금 늦을 수 있어요.

Because of traffic, we might be a little late.

이 단어의 발음은 외국인한테 어려울 수 있습니다.

The pronunciation of this word can be difficult for foreigners.

대화In conversation

이사하면 방에 책상하고 옷장, 침대를 놓을 거예요.

After we move, I'll put a desk, a wardrobe, and a bed in the room.

그러기에는 방이 좀 좁을 수 있어요.

The room might be a bit small for that.

관련 문법Related grammar

Other expressions you will meet alongside this one.

-고 싶다 -go sipda An expression used to state that the speaker wants to do the act mentioned in the preceding statement. TOPIK 1 -고 있다 -go itda An expression used to state that the act mentioned in the preceding statement is continued. TOPIK 1 -기 전에 -gi jeone -기 전 An expression used to state that a certain act occurs earlier than the act in the preceding statement. TOPIK 1 -어야 되다 -eoya doeda -아야 되다 · -여야 되다 An expression used to indicate that one needs or is obligated to do a certain thing. TOPIK 1 -은 후에 -eun hu-e -은 후 · -ㄴ 후 An expression used to indicate that one does a certain act mentioned in the preceding statement and a while later, does another thing. TOPIK 1 -지 못하다 -ji motada An expression used to indicate that the speaker cannot do the act mentioned in the preceding statement, or that things did not work out as the… TOPIK 1

자주 묻는 질문Common questions

What does -을 수 있다 mean in Korean?

-을 수 있다 is a expression introduced at 1급 (TOPIK 1). An expression used to indicate that one has an ability to do something. It has 2 distinct senses, all listed on this page.

When do you use -을 수 있다?

Attaches after verbs ending in a consonant other than ㄹ. The other shape is -ㄹ 수 있다 — same point, different environment.

What is the difference between -을 수 있다 and -ㄹ 수 있다?

None in meaning — they are two shapes of the same expression, and which one appears is decided by the sound in front of it, not by what you want to say.

What TOPIK level is -을 수 있다?

1급 — TOPIK 1, beginner. It is one of 45 grammar points at that level.

Definition, usage note, examples and dialogue from the 국립국어원 한국어기초사전, used under CC BY-SA 2.0 KR.