한국어 할 수 있어요?
hangugeo hal su isseoyo?
The English phrase "can you speak korean?" is translated into Korean as 한국어 할 수 있어요? (hangugeo hal su isseoyo?)
This phrase is used to ask if someone has the ability to communicate in the Korean language.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally translates to "Can [you] do Korean?", where 할 수 있어요 means "can do".
Which one should you use?
While 할 수 있어요? asks specifically about the ability or possibility of speaking Korean, using 해요? is a more natural and conversational way to ask if someone actually speaks the language.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The default form 한국어 할 수 있어요? uses the polite ending -어요, making it suitable for strangers or people you are not close to. For highly formal situations, such as professional settings or official interviews, use 한국어 할 수 있습니까? Another formal way to ask is 한국어를 말씀하실 수 있으신가요?
How does it change in a sentence?
In this question, the subject "you" is often omitted because it is understood from the context.
How do you pronounce it?
hangugeo hal su isseoyo?
Did you know?
Examples in context
- 네, 조금 할 수 있어요.Yes, I can speak a little.
- 응, 좀 할 수 있어.Yeah, I can speak a bit.
- 한국어 할 수 있어요?hangugeo hal su isseoyo?Can you speak Korean?
- 혹시 한국어 할 수 있어요?hoksi hangugeo hal su isseoyo?By any chance, can you speak Korean?
- 저기요, 한국어 할 수 있어요?jeogiyo, hangugeo hal su isseoyo?Excuse me, can you speak Korean?
Example conversation
A student asks a new classmate about her language skills.
- 도현 Do-hyeon민지 씨, 한국어 할 수 있어요?minji ssi, hangugeo hal su isseoyo?Minji, can you speak Korean?
- 민지 Min-ji네, 조금 할 수 있어요.ne, jogeum hal su isseoyo.Yes, I can speak a little.
- 도현 Do-hyeon정말 잘하시네요!jeongmal jalhasineyo!You are really good!
- 민지 Min-ji아니에요, 아직 서툴러요.anieyo, ajik seotulleoyo.No, I am still unskilled.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 수, 한국어, 할, CC BY-SA 4.0.
