Ability and a few useful irregular forms
For can do, use the stem plus after a vowel or final , and after other consonants: , , . and are separate words.
For cannot, use , or a short before the verb: , . With a single verb ending in , the common combined negative is : . It describes inability, not a chosen refusal.
Learn 듣다 → 들어요 and 부르다 → 불러요. These are frequent changing stems, not models for every verb with the same last consonant. 노래하다 → 노래해요 is a regular do-verb.
| Form | Example | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| can go | ||
| can go | ||
| can read | ||
| can read | ||
| can play a wind instrument | ||
| can play a wind instrument | ||
노래할 수 있어요.I can sing.
트럼펫을 불 수 없어요.I cannot play the trumpet.
책을 읽을 수 있어요.I can read a book.
호수에 갈 수 있어요.I can go to the lake.
음악을 들어요.I listen to music.
노래를 불러요.I sing a song.
Practice 1/6 · Finding words
Notice the useful forms
Tap the highlighted form described in this unit.
.
I can sing.
.
I cannot play the trumpet.
.
I can read a book.
.
I can go to the lake.
Practice 2/6 · The right form
Choose the friendly polite form
Choose the form that fits the English meaning and the polite sentence.
노래할 수 .
I can sing.
트럼펫을 불 수 .
I cannot play the trumpet.
책을 수 있어요.
I can read a book.
호수에 수 있어요.
I can go to the lake.
음악을 .
I listen to music.
노래를 .
I sing a song.
Practice 3/6 · Fill the gaps
Complete a short message
Fill the gaps with the words from the box.
책을 수 있어요.
I can read a book.
호수에 수 있어요.
I can go to the lake.
음악을 .
I listen to music.
노래를 .
I sing a song.
Practice 4/6 · Building sentences
Build useful sentences
Put the words in order.
I can read a book.
I can go to the lake.
Yes. I listen to music.
Yes. I sing a song.
Practice 5/6 · In situations
What would you say?
Choose the right words for the situation.
I can sing.
You say:
Use the form and meaning explained in this unit.
I can sing.
You say:
Use the form and meaning explained in this unit.
I cannot play the trumpet.
You say:
Use the form and meaning explained in this unit.
I cannot play the trumpet.
You say:
Use the form and meaning explained in this unit.
I can read a book.
You say:
Use the form and meaning explained in this unit.
I can read a book.
You say:
Use the form and meaning explained in this unit.
I can go to the lake.
You say:
Use the form and meaning explained in this unit.
I can go to the lake.
You say:
Use the form and meaning explained in this unit.
Practice 6/6 · Matching
Connect messages and meanings
Match the pairs.
Unit complete
