우리는 할 수 있어
urineun hal su isseo
The phrase "we can do it" in Korean is 우리는 할 수 있어 (urineun hal su isseo).
This phrase is used to express confidence that a group is capable of achieving a goal.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase 우리는 할 수 있어 breaks down into 우리는 (we), 할 (to do), 수 (possibility/way) and 있어 (to exist/to have), which literally means "as for us, the way to do exists."
Which one should you use?
Other forms like 우리 할 수 있어요 or 저희가 해낼 수 있습니다 are used to adjust the level of politeness and formality.
How does it change in a sentence?
The subject 우리는 is often contracted to 우린 in natural spoken Korean. To make the phrase polite, you can add the suffix 요 to the end, resulting in 우리는 할 수 있어요. For highly formal situations, the verb ending changes to 할 수 있습니다.
How do you pronounce it?
urineun hal su isseo
Did you know?
- In Korea, a similar spirit of confidence is expressed through the phrase 화이팅 (hwaiting), which is a Konglish adaptation of the English word 'fighting'.
- The word 우리 (we) is used much more frequently in Korean than in English, often referring to 'my' own family or home to emphasize group harmony.
- The word 수 in this phrase, which represents 'the way' or 'possibility', is a Sino-Korean word that was once written with the Hanja 手, meaning 'hand'.
Examples in context
- 우리 할 수 있어요.We can do it.
Example conversation
Minjun and Minji are preparing for a difficult team project.
- 민준 Min-jun이 프로젝트 너무 어려운 것 같아.i peurojekteukteu neomu eoryeoun geot gata.I think this project is too difficult.
- 민지 Min-ji조금만 더 힘내자. 우리는 할 수 있어.jogeumman deo himnaeja. urineun hal su isseo.Let's cheer up a bit more. We can do it.
- 민준 Min-jun그래, 다시 한번 해보자.geurae, dasi hanbeon haeboja.Okay, let's try it one more time.
- 민지 Min-ji좋아, 지금 바로 시작하자!joha, jigeum baro sijakaja!Great, let's start right now!
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 수, 할, CC BY-SA 4.0.
