넌 할 수 있어
neon hal su isseo
The phrase "you can do this" in Korean is 넌 할 수 있어 (neon hal su isseo).
This phrase is used to encourage someone and to tell them that they are capable of achieving a goal.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of 넌 (you), 할 (to do) and 수 있어 (possibility/ability exists).
Which one should you use?
While 넌 할 수 있어 focuses on the person's ability, it is often more natural in spoken Korean to drop the subject and simply say 할 수 있어.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Another informal way to convey confidence in someone's ability is to say 너 잘 할 수 있어!, which means "You can do it!"
How does it change in a sentence?
The structure 할 수 있어 uses the -(으)ㄹ 수 있다 grammatical pattern, which is the standard way to express ability or possibility.
How do you pronounce it?
neon hal su isseo
Did you know?
- If you want to sound more energetic, you might say 화이팅 (Fighting) instead of 할 수 있어. This loanword from English is the most common way to cheer someone on in high-pressure situations like sports or exams.
- The dependent noun 수 is derived from the Chinese character for 'hand' 手, linking the idea of ability to the physical act of using one's hands.
Examples in context
- 당신은 할 수 있습니다. 확실히 합격할 거예요.You can do it. You will definitely pass.
- 너 잘 할 수 있어! 자신을 믿어.You can do it! Believe in yourself.
- 걱정 마, 넌 할 수 있어.geokjeong ma, neon hal su isseo.Don't worry, you can do this.
- 조금만 더 힘내, 넌 할 수 있어!jogeumman deo himnae, neon hal su isseo!Cheer up a little more, you can do this!
Example conversation
Minjun is nervous before a job interview.
- 지은 Ji-eun민준, 너무 긴장하지 마.Minjun, neomu ginjanghaji ma.Minjun, don't be too nervous.
- 민준 Min-jun잘 할 수 있을까요?jal hal su isseulkkayo?Do you think I can do well?
- 지은 Ji-eun당연하지, 넌 할 수 있어!dangyeonhaji, neon hal su isseo!Of course, you can do this!
- 민준 Min-jun고마워, 지은아.gomawo, Jieun-a.Thanks, Jieun.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 수, 할, CC BY-SA 4.0.
