How do you say you can do something in Korean? First, get the action (verb) that you can do. Then:
Note that if the stem ends in a ㄹ, just attach 수 있다. Let’s see some examples:
Sentence examples:
I can speak Korean.
I can drive.
Here’s how to say you cannot do something in Korean:
Note that if the stem ends in a ㄹ, just attach 수 잆다. Let’s review:
I can’t speak Korean quickly.
I can’t go to the library.
This grammar form, ㄹ/을 수 있다/없다, is used to convey the meaning that you physically can or cannot do something, or that something literally is or is not possible.
This is because “수” means “ability.”
There are other ways to say can/cannot that imply you do something well or poorly. We’ll cover these later.
Conversation Practice
Informal:
신: 저는 버스를 탈 수 없어요.
서연: 저도 버스를 탈 수 없어요.
Shin: I can’t take the bus.
SeoYeon: I also can’t take the bus.