How to Express Ability and Possibility in Korean

Understanding Basic Structures

In Korean, expressing ability or possibility often revolves around the use of specific verb forms. The verbs and their variations indicate if an action can be completed or if something is possible.

Expressing Ability with 'ㄹ 수 있다'

To convey ability in Korean, you typically use the structure "동사 + ㄹ 수 있다" (e.g., 할 수 있다). This implies that you can do something. This is equivalent to saying 'can' in English.

Examples of Ability Expression

Here are some examples that demonstrate how to express ability in Korean with verbs you might already know.

Using '못' for Inability

To express inability, the negative form 못 is usually placed before the verb, e.g., 못 하다 (e.g., 못 먹어요). This structure shows that someone is unable to do something.

Expressing Possibility with 'ㄹ 수도 있다'

Possibility can be expressed with "동사 + ㄹ 수도 있다", indicating that something might happen or could be possible.

Practical Tips for Language Learners

When learning these structures, it's beneficial to practice them using real-life scenarios. Try creating sentences based on your daily activities or use flashcards.

• Don't forget to practice aloud for pronunciation.
• Use apps or language exchange for real practice.
• Create your own dialogue scenarios.
• Monitor your progress with recordings.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Be mindful of mixing up ㄹ 수 있다 and ㄹ 수도 있다. Stay aware of the context and nuances that differentiate simple ability from more nuanced possibility.