📚 Grammar Tip: The difference between -(으)ㄹ 수 있다 and -(으)ㄹ 수가 있다

In Korean, both -(으)ㄹ 수 있다 and -(으)ㄹ 수가 있다 express possibility or ability, but they carry slightly different nuances.

-(으)ㄹ 수 있다 is the basic and neutral way to talk about something being possible or someone being able to do something. It simply states a fact, without any emotion or emphasis.

For example:

• 저는 한국어를 읽을 수 있어요. → “I can read Korean.”

• 지금 갈 수 있어요. → “I am able to go now.”

On the other hand, -(으)ㄹ 수가 있다 is used when you want to emphasize something — especially in emotional, surprising, or comparative situations. It’s also very commonly used in negative sentences to express strong feelings like frustration or disbelief.

For example:

• 이건 정말 이해할 수가 없어요. → “I really cannot understand this.”

• 그렇게 해도 이길 수가 없어요. → “Even if I do that, I just can’t win.”

Let’s look at some more nuanced examples:

• 나는 운전할 수 있어요. → A simple statement: “I can drive.”

• 나는 운전할 수가 있어요. → Adds nuance, like “I couldn’t before, but now I can.”

• 이건 정말 먹을 수 없어요. → “I just can’t eat this.” (stating a fact)

• 이건 정말 먹을 수가 없어요. → “I absolutely can’t eat this.” (with strong emotion)

In short:Use -(으)ㄹ 수 있다 when you want to state a neutral fact.Use -(으)ㄹ 수가 있다 when you want to add emotion, emphasis, or express surprise, disappointment, or comparison — especially in negative sentences.

Happy studying! 😊

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