What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of 한국어 (Korean language), 할 수 있어요 (can do/be able to do) and a question mark.
Which one should you use?
The form 한국어 할 줄 알아? is an informal way to ask the question. For highly formal settings, you may use 한국어를 할 수 있으신가요? or 한국어 할 수 있습니까?
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
In formal situations, such as meeting someone for the first time or asking an elderly person for directions, use 한국어를 할 수 있으신가요? Use the highly formal 한국어 할 수 있습니까? in professional settings. For informal situations, such as talking to a friend or making small talk at a cafe, use 한국어 할 줄 알아? The version 한국어 할 수 있어? is a casual, non-honorific way to ask the question with close friends or people younger than you.
How does it change in a sentence?
A common alternative to the standard form is 한국어 할 줄 알아요?, which focuses more on whether the person possesses the specific skill or knowledge of the language.
How do you pronounce it?
hangugeo hal su isseoyo?
Did you know?
- Korean speakers often omit the subject 'you' entirely in 한국어 할 수 있어요?, as the context makes the target of the question obvious.
- The word 수 in the phrase 할 수 있어요 is a Sino-Korean word derived from the Chinese character meaning 'hand' or 'way'.
- The word for 'language' in 한국어 is the Sino-Korean character 어, which is also used in words for 'speech' or 'discourse' throughout many East Asian languages.
Examples in context
- 한국어 할 수 있어요?hangugeo hal su isseoyo?Do you speak Korean?
- 저기요, 한국어 할 수 있어요?jeogiyo, hangugeo hal su isseoyo?Excuse me, do you speak Korean?
- 혹시 한국어 할 수 있어요?hoksi hangugeo hal su isseoyo?By any chance, do you speak Korean?
Example conversation
Minji asks Hyunwoo if he can speak Korean in a cafe.
- 민지 Min-ji현우 씨, 한국어 할 수 있어요?hyeonu ssi, hangugeo hal su isseoyo?Hyunwoo, do you speak Korean?
- 현우 Hyeon-woo네, 조금 할 수 있어요.ne, jogeum hal su isseoyo.Yes, I can speak a little.
- 민지 Min-ji정말 잘하시네요!jeongmal jalhasineyo!You are really good!
- 현우 Hyeon-woo아니에요, 아직 공부 중이에요.anieyo, ajik gongbu jungieyo.No, I am still studying.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 수, 한국어, 할, CC BY-SA 4.0.
