통화할 수 있을까요?
tonghwahal su isseulkkayo?
In Korean, 'can we call?' is expressed as 통화할 수 있을까요? (tonghwahal su isseulkkayo?)
This phrase is a polite request used to ask if you can have a voice conversation over a telephone or mobile device. It specifically refers to phone-based communication rather than meeting someone face-to-face.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of 통화 (phone conversation), 할 수 있다 (to be able to do) and the polite interrogative ending -을까요? (shall we/can we?).
Which one should you use?
While 통화할 수 있을까요? is the standard polite request, 통화 가능할까요? is a slightly more formal and business-like way to ask if a call is possible. For very casual situations, you can use 전화 해볼까? or the informal 통화할 수 있어?
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The default form 통화할 수 있을까요? is polite. Use 통화 가능할까요? for a more formal or business-like tone. Use 통화할 수 있어? or 전화 해볼까? in informal settings, such as when speaking with close friends or people younger than you.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase utilizes the -ㄹ 수 있다 grammar pattern, which is used to express ability or possibility.
How do you pronounce it?
tonghwahal su isseulkkayo?
Did you know?
- The grammatical component 수 (way/method) in this phrase is a Sino-Korean word derived from the Hanja 手, which literally means 'hand'.
- In professional settings, Koreans often send a text message asking 통화 가능할까요? before calling to avoid interrupting the other person.
- Using the formal 통화 가능할까요? in a very casual relationship can sound sarcastic or overly distant to a native speaker.
Examples in context
- 전화할까요?Shall we call?
- 전화해보실 수 있을까요?Can you call?
- 전화하자Let's call.
- 지금 통화할 수 있을까요?jigeum tonghwahal su isseulkkayo?Can we talk on the phone right now?
- 잠시 통화할 수 있을까요?jamsi tonghwahal su isseulkkayo?Can we talk for a moment?
- 내일 통화할 수 있을까요?naeil tonghwahal su isseulkkayo?Can we talk on the phone tomorrow?
Example conversation
Dohyun sends a message to Subin to discuss a project.
- 도현 Do-hyeon수빈 씨, 지금 통화할 수 있을까요?Subin ssi, jigeum tonghwahal su isseulkkayo?Subin, can we call right now?
- 수빈 Su-bin네, 도현 씨. 지금 괜찮아요.ne, Dohyun ssi. jigeum gwaenchanayo.Yes, Dohyun. Now is fine.
- 도현 Do-hyeon그럼 제가 바로 전화할게요.geureom jega baro jeonhwahalgeyo.Then I will call you right away.
- 수빈 Su-bin네, 기다릴게요.ne, gidarilgeyo.Okay, I'll wait.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 수, CC BY-SA 4.0.
