What does it mean word for word?
The phrase 넌 할 수 있어 is composed of 넌 (you), 할 (to do) and 수 있어 (have the ability or possibility).
Which one should you use?
While 넌 할 수 있어 explicitly includes the subject you, it is very common in Korean to simply say 할 수 있어 when the context is clear.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The form 넌 할 수 있어 uses the informal style, which is suitable for friends or people younger than you. If you want to express that someone will do well in a formal setting, such as when talking to superiors or elders, use 잘하실 거예요. For an informal tone meaning "You will do well", you can use 잘 할 거야. To say "Have confidence" or "Believe in yourself" in a formal way, use 자신 있게 해보세요.
How does it change in a sentence?
The structure -(으)ㄹ 수 있다 used in 할 수 있어 is the standard way to express ability or possibility in Korean.
How do you pronounce it?
neon hal su isseo
Did you know?
- In high-pressure environments like exams, students may use the phrase 화이팅 ('Fighting!') as a more energetic alternative to 넌 할 수 있어.
- If you were to use the word 수 to mean 'hand' (手), it would historically relate to a 'method' or 'way' of doing something. This is why the grammatical structure for 'ability' feels so deeply connected to the concept of having a 'way' to act.
- The concept of 'can' in 할 수 있어 refers to 'possibility' or 'capacity' rather than just permission, which is a common distinction in Korean grammar.
Examples in context
- 잘 하실 거예요. 힘을 내세요!You will do well. Stay strong!
- 자신 있게 해보세요. 제가 응원하고 있을게요.Have confidence. I'll be cheering for you.
- 자신 있어! 우린 너를 믿어.Be confident! We believe in you.
- 넌 할 수 있어, 힘내!neon hal su isseo, himnae!You got this, cheer up!
- 걱정 마, 넌 할 수 있어.geokjeong ma, neon hal su isseo.Don't worry, you got this.
Example conversation
Dohyun is encouraging Seoyeon before her job interview.
- 도현 Do-hyeon서연아, 너무 떨지 마.Seoyeona, neomu tteolji ma.Seoyeon, don't be too nervous.
- 서연 Seo-yeon잘할 수 있을까요?jalhal su isseulkkayo?Do you think I can do well?
- 도현 Do-hyeon그럼, 넌 할 수 있어!geureom, neon hal su isseo!Of course, you got this!
- 서연 Seo-yeon고마워, 도현아.gomawo, Dohyuna.Thanks, Dohyun.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 수, 할, CC BY-SA 4.0.
