📚 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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