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-(으)ㄹ 수 있다

-(eu)l su itda

Not ability — an open door

The picture A door stands ahead of you. If it's open, you can walk through. What opened it might be your skill, a rule, or just today's schedule.

Everyday expressions

Where the picture shows up in -(으)ㄹ 수 있다

  1. your skill opens the door

    저는 운전할 수 있어요.

    jeo-neun un-jeon-hal su i-sseo-yo

    I can drive.

  2. asking whether the rule opens it

    여기서 사진 찍을 수 있어요?

    yeo-gi-seo sa-jin jji-geul su i-sseo-yo

    Can I take photos here?

    The same form does duty for asking permission.

  3. today's circumstances open it

    오늘은 일찍 갈 수 있어요.

    o-neu-reun il-jjik gal su i-sseo-yo

    I can leave early today.

    Nothing to do with skill — the door is open only today.

  4. you open the door for someone

    제가 도와드릴 수 있어요.

    je-ga do-wa-deu-ril su i-sseo-yo

    I can give you a hand.

  5. the door of possibility is ajar

    비가 올 수도 있어요.

    bi-ga ol su-do i-sseo-yo

    It might rain.

    With 수도 it leans away from ability and toward likelihood.

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