What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of 넌 (you), 할 (to do), 수 있어 (possibility/ability exists).
Which one should you use?
In natural Korean conversation, it is very common to omit the subject 넌 (you) when the subject is understood from context. In such cases, you might simply say 할 수 있어.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The default form 넌 할 수 있어 uses 넌 (contraction of 너는), which is informal and should only be used with friends or people younger than you. Adding '요' to the end of the default form makes it 할 수 있어요, which is a polite way to encourage someone you are not close with or who is slightly older. For different nuances of encouragement, you might use the formal 열심히 하세요！ (Do your best! / Work hard!), 잘 될 거예요！ (It will go well) or the informal 잘 해봐！ (Do well! / Give it your best shot!) and 꼭 할 수 있어! (You can definitely do it!).
How does it change in a sentence?
The structure -ㄹ 수 있다 is the standard grammatical way to express ability or possibility in Korean.
How do you pronounce it?
neon hal su isseo
Did you know?
- While 넌 할 수 있어 expresses belief in someone, Koreans often use the phrase 화이팅 (Fighting) as a rhythmic cheer. This 'Konglish' term is used as an exclamation to boost morale in sports and exams.
- When cheering someone on, Koreans often make a tight fist and pump it in the air. This gesture commonly accompanies phrases of encouragement like 할 수 있어 to show strength and determination.
- The word 수 in this phrase is a Sino-Korean word originally meaning 'hand' or 'way'. While it is now written in the Korean alphabet, it stems from the Chinese character 手.
Examples in context
- 잘 해봐! 힘을 다해서 달려봐!You can do it! Run with all your might!
- 걱정 마, 넌 할 수 있어.geokjeong ma, neon hal su isseo.Don't worry, you can do it.
- 포기하지 마, 넌 할 수 있어.pogihaji ma, neon hal su isseo.Don't give up, you can do it.
Example conversation
Minji is nervous before a presentation.
- 도현 Do-hyeon민지야, 너무 긴장하지 마.Minji-ya, neomu gin-jang-ha-ji ma.Minji, don't be too nervous.
- 민지 Min-ji잘 할 수 있을까요?jal hal su isseu-lkkayo?Do you think I can do it well?
- 도현 Do-hyeon당연하지, 넌 할 수 있어.dang-yeon-ha-ji, neon hal su isseo.Of course, you can do it.
- 민지 Min-ji고마워, 도현아.go-ma-wo, Dohyeon-a.Thanks, Dohyeon.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 수, 할, CC BY-SA 4.0.
