hal su isseoyo Meaning: Complete Korean Guide

할 수 있어요? (hal su isseoyo?) is a Korean phrase meaning “Can you do it?” or “Are you able to?” used to ask about someone’s ability or possibility to perform an action. This essential Korean expression appears constantly in K-dramas like Crash Landing on You, Start-Up, and Hospital Playlist, demonstrating how Koreans inquire about capabilities, permissions, and possibilities in everyday situations.

Understanding 할 수 있어요? is crucial for foreign learners wanting to navigate Korean conversations naturally. This phrase embodies Korean communication patterns around asking for help, confirming abilities, and discussing possibilities. In K-dramas, you’ll hear characters use 할 수 있어요? in workplace discussions, personal challenges, and relationship conversations.

THE BASIC MEANING

할 수 있어요? combines several Korean grammatical elements that work together to express ability and possibility. The verb stem 하다 (hada) means “to do,” while -(으)ㄹ 수 있다 is a grammatical construction that expresses ability or possibility, similar to English “can” or “be able to.”

This phrase reflects a fundamental aspect of Korean grammar. While English uses modal verbs like “can” or “may,” Korean uses the construction -(으)ㄹ 수 있다 attached to verb stems. Understanding this pattern unlocks your ability to discuss capabilities with any Korean verb, not just 하다.

The question form 할 수 있어요? adds a rising intonation and sometimes the question particle to create inquiry. This makes it incredibly useful for checking if someone can perform tasks, has permission to do something, or if circumstances allow certain actions.

Korean learners often confuse 할 수 있어요? with 할까요? (halkkayo – shall we do it?). The key difference lies in meaning: 할 수 있어요? asks about ability or possibility, while 할까요? suggests or proposes action. Use 할 수 있어요? when you need to know if something is possible, not when suggesting doing it together.

PRONUNCIATION GUIDE

English pronunciation: hal su isseoyo

Japanese pronunciation: ハル ス イッソヨ (haru su issoyo)

Breaking down the pronunciation helps Korean learners master this essential phrase. The first syllable 할 (hal) uses the consonant ㅎ which creates an “h” sound like English “hat,” followed by the vowel ㅏ making an “ah” sound, and ending with the consonant ㄹ which sounds like a light “l” when it appears at the end of syllables.

The second syllable 수 (su) is straightforward – the consonant ㅅ creates an “s” sound, and the vowel ㅜ produces an “oo” sound like “food” but shorter. This syllable should be quick and crisp, not drawn out.

The third syllable 있 (iss) presents challenges for English speakers. The double consonant ㅆ creates a tense, emphatic “ss” sound different from single ㅅ. Build tension before releasing this sound. The vowel ㅣ produces an “ee” sound like “see,” and the final consonant ㅆ at syllable end becomes unreleased, creating a slight pause or catch in your throat.

The fourth syllable 어 (eo) uses the vowel ㅓ which sounds like “uh” in “cut” but with mouth more open. This vowel doesn’t exist in English, so practice it separately. Don’t make it sound like “oh” or “aw.”

The final syllable 요 (yo) is simple – just “yo” like English “yo-yo.” This polite ending marker should be clear and not reduced, especially when asking questions where you want clear communication.

Practice tip for English speakers: Start slowly saying each syllable separately – “hal… su… iss… eo… yo.” Then gradually speed up while maintaining distinct sounds. Record yourself and compare with native Korean speakers from K-dramas or pronunciation apps.

Common pronunciation mistakes to avoid: Don’t say “hall soo ee-say-oh” with too many syllables. The phrase has exactly five syllables. Don’t skip the final ㄹ sound in 할 or make 있 sound like “it” in English. The tense ㅆ requires distinct pronunciation.

K-DRAMA EXAMPLES

CRASH LANDING ON YOU EXAMPLE

In Crash Landing on You, Yoon Se-ri frequently asks North Korean soldiers “할 수 있어요?” when she needs their help with various tasks. Her use of this phrase shows how it works for requesting assistance while simultaneously checking if the person has ability or permission to help. The soldiers’ responses reveal whether they can physically do something or if regulations allow it.

The drama demonstrates an important cultural nuance through these scenes. When Se-ri asks “할 수 있어요?” she’s not just asking about ability but also showing respect by framing requests as questions rather than commands. This reflects Korean cultural values around indirect communication and maintaining harmony.

One memorable scene shows Se-ri asking Ri Jeong-hyeok “이거 고칠 수 있어요?” (igeo gochil su isseoyo – Can you fix this?). His response and the way he immediately tries to help demonstrates how 할 수 있어요? often precedes requests for assistance in Korean culture.

START-UP EXAMPLE

Start-Up showcases 할 수 있어요? in entrepreneurial and professional contexts. The characters constantly ask each other “이거 할 수 있어요?” (igeo hal su isseoyo – Can you do this?) when discussing project capabilities, technical challenges, and business possibilities. These scenes reveal how the phrase functions in workplace Korean.

Pay attention to how the startup team members use 할 수 있어요? during brainstorming sessions. They’re not just checking technical ability but exploring what’s realistically achievable given their resources and constraints. This shows the phrase’s versatility in discussing both capability and feasibility.

The drama also shows how tone changes meaning dramatically. When Nam Do-san asks “할 수 있어요?” with confidence, it sounds like genuine inquiry. When asked with doubt or concern, it reveals worry about someone’s capabilities. This tonal flexibility makes 할 수 있어요? adaptable to countless situations.

HOSPITAL PLAYLIST EXAMPLE

Hospital Playlist uses 할 수 있어요? extensively in medical contexts. Doctors ask colleagues “이 수술 할 수 있어요?” (i susul hal su isseoyo – Can you perform this surgery?) to confirm availability and capability. Patients ask doctors “완치할 수 있어요?” (wanchil hal su isseoyo – Can it be cured?) to understand their prognosis.

This drama shows how 할 수 있어요? carries different emotional weight depending on stakes involved. In casual workplace conversations, it’s light and practical. When discussing life-and-death medical decisions, the same phrase becomes heavy with meaning and consequence.

Notice how senior doctors use 할 수 있어요? to assess junior doctors’ skills without making them feel inadequate. The question format allows checking capabilities while maintaining respectful professional relationships. This demonstrates Korean workplace culture’s emphasis on face-saving communication.

WHEN TO USE 할 수 있어요?

Checking someone’s ability to perform tasks

Use 할 수 있어요? when you need to know if someone possesses the skills, strength, or knowledge to do something. This works for physical tasks, intellectual challenges, or any activity requiring specific capabilities. The phrase acknowledges that not everyone can do everything.

Example situations: Asking if someone can lift heavy objects, perform technical tasks, speak foreign languages, or complete complex projects. 할 수 있어요? shows respect by checking rather than assuming capabilities.

Confirming permission or possibility

Beyond ability, 할 수 있어요? inquires whether circumstances, rules, or situations allow certain actions. Use it to check if regulations permit something, if timing works out, or if external factors make actions possible. This usage reflects Korean culture’s attention to contextual constraints.

Example contexts: Asking if you can enter restricted areas, if schedules allow meetings, if budgets permit purchases, or if policies enable certain procedures. The phrase adapts to discussing feasibility beyond personal ability.

Requesting help indirectly

Korean culture values indirect communication, especially when asking favors. 할 수 있어요? provides polite way to request assistance by framing it as ability check rather than direct command. This maintains harmony and gives the other person graceful way to decline if needed.

Use this approach in professional settings, with acquaintances, or when unsure about social dynamics. Starting with “이거 도와줄 수 있어요?” (igeo dowajul su isseoyo – Can you help with this?) sounds more polite than direct “도와주세요” (dowajuseyo – Please help).

Expressing doubt or concern

When you doubt someone’s ability or worry about feasibility, 할 수 있어요? can express concern tactfully. The tone and context reveal your underlying uncertainty while maintaining surface-level neutrality. This allows addressing concerns without being confrontational.

Example usage: When someone proposes ambitious plans, asking “정말 할 수 있어요?” (jeongmal hal su isseoyo – Can you really do it?) expresses skepticism gently. The same words can encourage or question depending on delivery.

FORMALITY VARIATIONS

할 수 있어요? – Standard polite casual

This is your default choice for most situations. 할 수 있어요? balances politeness with approachability, making it appropriate for coworkers, classmates, service providers, and casual acquaintances. Most K-dramas use this form because it represents everyday speech patterns.

When uncertain about formality levels, choose 할 수 있어요?. It shows respect without being overly stiff or formal. Korean speakers appreciate when foreigners choose appropriate middle-ground expressions.

할 수 있어? – Casual intimate

Drop the 요 ending when speaking to close friends, younger siblings, or people clearly younger than you. 할 수 있어? sounds more direct and intimate. You’ll hear this form frequently among Start-Up team members or Hospital Playlist doctor friends in private conversations.

However, be cautious using casual form with new relationships. Jumping to 할 수 있어? too quickly can seem overly familiar or disrespectful. Wait until friendship is clearly established before dropping the 요.

할 수 있습니까? – Formal respectful

In highly formal situations or speaking to significantly older people or high-status individuals, upgrade to 할 수 있습니까? (hal su isseumnikka). This formal version uses the formal question ending -ㅂ니까, showing deep respect. Use this in business settings with executives, speaking to elders, or formal professional contexts.

Most Korean learners can initially focus on mastering 할 수 있어요? and add formal version later. However, understanding that formal alternative exists helps you recognize it in K-dramas when characters address company presidents, professors, or authority figures.

할 수 있겠어요? – Polite tentative

Adding -겠- creates 할 수 있겠어요? which sounds more tentative or polite. This version softens the question, making it extra courteous. Use when you’re unsure about asking or want to show maximum politeness.

The -겠- marker adds layer of speaker’s conjecture or politeness. It’s like asking “Would you be able to…?” instead of direct “Can you…?” in English. This subtle difference matters in Korean politeness strategies.

GRAMMAR BREAKDOWN

The -(으)ㄹ 수 있다 construction

Understanding this grammatical pattern unlocks countless Korean expressions. Any verb stem can combine with -(으)ㄹ 수 있다 to express ability or possibility. The basic formula: verb stem + -(으)ㄹ 수 있다.

For verb stems ending in vowels, use -ㄹ 수 있다. For stems ending in consonants, use -을 수 있다. Examples: 가다 (to go) becomes 갈 수 있다 (can go), 먹다 (to eat) becomes 먹을 수 있다 (can eat).

This construction literally translates to “there exists the possibility/ability of doing” but functions like English modal “can.” Mastering this pattern dramatically expands your Korean capability discussions.

Negative form: 할 수 없어요?

To ask if someone cannot do something, use 할 수 없어요? (hal su eopseoyo). Simply replace 있다 (to exist/have) with 없다 (to not exist/not have). This negative form asks about inability or impossibility.

Example usage: “이거 할 수 없어요?” (Can’t you do this?) expresses surprise or concern about someone’s inability. The context and tone determine whether it’s sympathetic inquiry or challenging question.

Adding specificity with object markers

In natural Korean, you’ll usually specify what action you’re asking about. Use object markers -을/를 to show what’s being done: “이 일을 할 수 있어요?” (i ireul hal su isseoyo – Can you do this work?).

This makes your Korean more precise and natural-sounding. Korean speakers rarely use 할 수 있어요? in isolation – they specify the action or object being discussed.

Time expressions for added context

Combine 할 수 있어요? with time words to ask about ability at specific moments: “내일 할 수 있어요?” (naeil hal su isseoyo – Can you do it tomorrow?), “지금 할 수 있어요?” (jigeum hal su isseoyo – Can you do it now?).

These combinations create practical questions for coordinating schedules and confirming availability. Time specificity makes inquiries more actionable and easier to answer.

COMMON SITUATIONS IN KOREA

Workplace task assignments

Korean workplace culture uses 할 수 있어요? constantly for delegating and accepting responsibilities. Managers ask team members “이 프로젝트 할 수 있어요?” (i peurojekteu hal su isseoyo – Can you handle this project?) to assign work while checking capability.

This respectful inquiry approach differs from direct command cultures. By framing assignments as ability questions, Korean managers maintain team harmony and give employees face-saving way to express concerns about unrealistic demands.

Shopping and service requests

When shopping in Korea, use 할 수 있어요? to ask if stores can provide services: “포장해줄 수 있어요?” (pojanghae jul su isseoyo – Can you gift-wrap this?), “배달할 수 있어요?” (baedal hal su isseoyo – Can you deliver?).

Service staff appreciate this polite inquiry format rather than demanding commands. It acknowledges their role while requesting help courteously.

Making appointments and reservations

Use 할 수 있어요? when booking appointments or reservations: “내일 예약할 수 있어요?” (naeil yeyak hal su isseoyo – Can I make a reservation for tomorrow?). This checks availability while making requests.

The phrase works perfectly for confirming whether desired times, dates, or services are available. It’s more polite than demanding “I want…” and gets better results in Korean service culture.

Asking for help or favors

When you need assistance, frame requests as 할 수 있어요? questions: “좀 도와줄 수 있어요?” (jom dowajul su isseoyo – Can you help me a bit?). This indirect approach respects Korean communication preferences.

The particle 좀 (jom – a bit) further softens requests. Combined with 할 수 있어요?, it creates maximally polite favor-asking that’s hard to refuse yet doesn’t pressure the other person.

CULTURAL INSIGHTS

Indirect communication preference

할 수 있어요? embodies Korean cultural preference for indirect communication. Rather than demanding or assuming, Koreans often inquire about possibility first. This maintains social harmony and respects others’ autonomy.

Understanding this cultural context helps foreign learners use 할 수 있어요? with appropriate feeling. It’s not just asking about ability – it’s participating in Korean communication patterns that value subtlety and consideration.

Saving face in ability discussions

Korean culture emphasizes maintaining face – both yours and others’. 할 수 있어요? provides way to discuss capabilities without embarrassing anyone. Asking allows people to honestly assess their abilities without feeling judged for limitations.

This differs from cultures where direct capability assertions are common. Koreans appreciate when you check rather than assume, showing respect for individual circumstances and constraints.

Hierarchical consideration

Korean social hierarchy influences how 할 수 있어요? is used and answered. Subordinates asking superiors add extra politeness markers. Superiors asking subordinates might use it to assign tasks while maintaining collegial atmosphere.

Pay attention to power dynamics when using this phrase. The same words carry different implications depending on speaker-listener relationship positions.

Relationship building through respectful inquiry

Using 할 수 있어요? consistently in appropriate situations builds positive relationships. Koreans notice and appreciate when foreigners communicate respectfully through proper question framing rather than demanding behavior.

This small linguistic choice contributes to larger patterns of successful cross-cultural communication and relationship development in Korean contexts.

COMMON MISTAKES TO AVOID

Using it for permission instead of ability

Don’t confuse 할 수 있어요? (can you/is it possible) with permission-asking like 해도 돼요? (haedo dwaeyo – may I/is it okay to). While 할 수 있어요? sometimes implies permission, use 해도 돼요? when specifically asking if something is allowed.

Example: “여기 앉을 수 있어요?” (Can I sit here?) asks about physical possibility, while “여기 앉아도 돼요?” asks for permission. Context usually clarifies, but understanding this distinction prevents miscommunication.

Inappropriate formality levels

Don’t use casual 할 수 있어? with people you’ve just met or anyone older/higher status. Wait for clear signals that casual speech is welcome. Jumping to casual form too quickly damages relationship building.

Conversely, don’t use overly formal 할 수 있습니까? with close friends or peers. Excessive formality creates awkward distance. Match your formality level to relationship reality.

Forgetting to specify what you’re asking about

Don’t just ask “할 수 있어요?” without context. Korean speakers need to know what action you’re discussing. Add specific verbs or objects: “이거 할 수 있어요?” (Can you do this?), “한국어 할 수 있어요?” (Can you speak Korean?).

Context-free questions confuse people and sound unnatural. Always provide enough information for meaningful answers.

Misreading tone and intent

할 수 있어요? can express genuine inquiry, doubt, challenge, or encouragement depending on tone. Don’t assume positive intent without reading contextual clues. Pay attention to voice tone, facial expressions, and situation.

Practice recognizing these tonal variations in K-dramas. The same words mean drastically different things based on delivery and context.

RELATED EXPRESSIONS

할까요? – Shall we do it?

할까요? (halkkayo) suggests or proposes doing something together. This differs from 할 수 있어요? which asks about ability. Use 할까요? when suggesting joint action: “같이 갈까요?” (gachi galkkayo – Shall we go together?).

해도 돼요? – May I do it?

해도 돼요? (haedo dwaeyo) specifically asks permission rather than ability. Use this when you need approval to do something: “들어가도 돼요?” (deureogado dwaeyo – May I come in?).

할게요 – I will do it

할게요 (halgeyo) declares intention to do something. This statement form contrasts with 할 수 있어요?’s question format. Use 할게요 when volunteering or promising action: “제가 할게요” (jega halgeyo – I’ll do it).

할 줄 알아요? – Do you know how to do it?

할 줄 알아요? (hal jul arayo) asks about knowledge or skill rather than possibility. Use this specifically for learned abilities: “한국어 할 줄 알아요?” (hangugeo hal jul arayo – Do you know how to speak Korean?).

하고 싶어요? – Do you want to do it?

하고 싶어요? (hago sipeoyo) asks about desire rather than ability. This emotional inquiry differs from practical 할 수 있어요?: “영화 보고 싶어요?” (yeonghwa bogo sipeoyo – Do you want to watch a movie?).

PRACTICE TIPS FOR LEARNERS

Watch K-dramas with focus on this phrase

Find workplace or challenge scenes in Start-Up, Crash Landing on You, or Hospital Playlist. Listen carefully to how characters ask “할 수 있어요?” in different contexts. Notice tone variations, accompanying gestures, and responses.

Pause and repeat after characters to practice pronunciation. Pay attention to how native speakers connect sounds and adjust tone for different meanings. Active listening accelerates learning.

Create personal example sentences

Write sentences using 할 수 있어요? about your own life: “한국어 공부할 수 있어요?” (Can I study Korean?), “요리할 수 있어요?” (Can you cook?). Personal relevance makes grammar patterns stick better than abstract examples.

Practice saying these sentences aloud daily. Repetition with personal meaning creates strong memory associations.

Practice with language exchange partners

During language exchange, specifically request ability-related conversations. Ask your partner “무엇을 할 수 있어요?” (mueoseul hal su isseoyo – What can you do?) and discuss various capabilities. Request feedback on your pronunciation and usage.

Real conversations provide invaluable practice that textbook study cannot match. Don’t feel embarrassed making mistakes – Koreans appreciate earnest learning efforts.

Record yourself in various scenarios

Use your phone to record yourself asking “할 수 있어요?” with different tones – curious, doubtful, encouraging, challenging. Compare your recordings with native Korean pronunciation from drama clips. Identify areas needing improvement.

This self-awareness practice helps you develop natural-sounding Korean beyond just correct grammar.

ADVANCED USAGE NOTES

Combining with other grammatical patterns

Advanced speakers combine 할 수 있어요? with other Korean grammar: “할 수 있을 것 같아요?” (hal su isseul geot gatayo – Do you think you’ll be able to do it?) adds conjecture marker -ㄹ 것 같다 for tentative inquiry.

These combinations create sophisticated Korean that sounds more native. As you advance, explore these grammatical layering opportunities.

Using in conditional sentences

할 수 있으면 (hal su isseumyeon – if you can) creates conditional clauses: “할 수 있으면 도와주세요” (hal su isseumyeon dowajuseyo – Please help if you can). This pattern appears constantly in natural Korean.

Mastering conditional uses of 할 수 있다 enables complex request formations and nuanced communication.

Understanding implied meanings

In Korean culture, 할 수 있어요? sometimes implies requests disguised as questions. “내일 만날 수 있어요?” (Can we meet tomorrow?) might really mean “Please meet me tomorrow.” Context determines whether it’s genuine question or indirect request.

This cultural reading requires experience and cultural knowledge beyond pure language skills. Watch how K-drama characters respond to reveal these hidden meanings.

Regional and generational variations

Younger Koreans might contract 할 수 있어요? to sound more casual in text messages or quick speech. Older generations maintain fuller pronunciation. These variations don’t change core meaning but reflect Korean language’s natural evolution.

As you advance, noticing these subtleties adds depth to your Korean comprehension and production.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Mastering 할 수 있어요? provides essential tool for navigating Korean social and professional interactions. This phrase appears thousands of times in daily Korean life, making it one of most practically useful expressions for learners beyond basic greetings.

The versatility of 할 수 있어요? means you’ll use it constantly – checking abilities, requesting help, discussing possibilities, confirming permissions. Investing time to master pronunciation, usage contexts, and cultural implications pays enormous dividends in communication effectiveness.

Remember that Korean speakers appreciate foreigners learning their language and culture. Even imperfect 할 수 있어요? attempts will be met with encouragement and patience. Your efforts to communicate in Korean demonstrate respect and facilitate deeper cross-cultural connections.

Don’t overthink it. Start using 할 수 있어요? in appropriate situations, pay attention to native speaker feedback and responses, and gradually develop natural feeling for when and how to deploy it. Like all language learning, confidence comes through practice and real-world experience.

Keep watching K-dramas attentively, practicing with Korean friends and language partners, and using 할 수 있어요? regularly in your Korean conversations. Before long, it will feel as natural as asking “Can you…?” in English, and you’ll have taken another significant step toward Korean fluency and cultural understanding.

할 수 있어요! You can do it! Keep learning and practicing Korean!