캔
kaen[kʰɛn]
The English phrase "can" translates to Korean as 캔 (kaen).
Meaning: to be able to, to know how to (verb)
Which one should you use?
Depending on the situation, you will use different versions of the expression for "can": 할 수 있습니다 is the standard formal way to express ability, while 할 수 있어요 is a formal yet slightly more casual way to say it. For informal situations, you should use 할 수 있어.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
To express that you cannot do something, you can add 못 before the verb.
How do you pronounce it?
kaen
Did you know?
- In Korean, the word 수 in the expression 할 수 있다 literally means 'method' or 'way'. To say you 'can' do something, you are actually saying there is a 'way' to do it.
- In very polite or humble speech, Koreans may avoid saying they 'can' do something directly to avoid sounding arrogant, instead using phrases that suggest they will 'try their best'.
- The word 캔 refers specifically to a metal tin can and is not used as a verb for ability. To express 'can', Koreans use the construction ~ㄹ 수 있다.
Examples in context
- 저는 한국말을 할 수 있습니다.I can speak Korean.
- 오늘 저녁에 만날 수 있어요?Can we meet tonight?
- 오늘 영화를 볼 수 있어요?Can we watch a movie today?
- 저는 수영 못 해요I cannot swim
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 캔, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
