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PROBABILITY IN KOREAN
When talking about probability and possibility in Korean, there are several important expressions to know.
In this lesson, we will explore six key grammar structures: ‘-ㄹ 수 있다’, ‘-ㄹ 수도 있다’, ‘-ㄹ지도 모른다’, ‘-ㄹ지 모른다’, ‘-ㄹ 가능성이 있다/높다/낮다’, and ‘반반이다’.
ABILITY & POSSIBILITY WITH 수 있다
The grammar ‘-ㄹ 수 있다’ is used to express ability (can) or possibility (could/might happen). It attaches to the verb stem and indicates whether something can be done or is possible.
- Ability (can): Use ‘-ㄹ 수 있다’ to say that someone is capable of doing something.
- Possibility (might): Use ‘-ㄹ 수 있다’ to indicate that something might happen or is possible.
PATTERN
Verb stem + -ㄹ/을 수 있다
The structure ‘-ㄹ/을 수도 있다‘ emphasizes a possibility that is less definite or more hypothetical than ‘-ㄹ 수 있다’.
It implies that something could also happen but is not guaranteed, certain, or clear.
| 저는 피아노를 칠 수 있어요. | I can play the piano. |
| 그 문제를 풀 수 있을까요? | Can you solve that problem? |
| 우리는 어쩌면 내일 갈 수도 있어요. | We might possibly go tomorrow. |
View More Examples:
| 일기예보에 따르면 이따 오후에 비가 올 수 있어요. | According to the weather forecast, it might rain this afternoon. |
| 여기에서 사진을 찍을 수 있어요. | You can take pictures here. |
| 차가 막혀서 약속에 늦을 수도 있어요. | I might be late for the appointment because of traffic. |
UNCERTAINTY WITH -ㄹ지 모른다
The expression ‘-ㄹ지도 모른다’ is used to indicate uncertainty or that something might happen.
It suggests a possibility that you are not entirely sure about.
PATTERN
Verb stem + -ㄹ/을 지 모른다
The structure ‘-ㄹ/을 지도 모른다’ indicates almost the same, but with a nuance of uncertainty.
| 우리는 늦을지도 몰라요. | We might be late. |
| 범인이 한국에 있을지 몰라요. | The criminal might be in Korea. |
View More Examples:
| 시험이 어려울지도 모르니까 꼼꼼히 공부하세요. | The exam might be difficult, so study thoroughly. |
| 어쩌면 결혼식에 전 애인이 올지 몰라요. | Maybe my ex might come to the wedding. |
| 날씨가 너무 습해서 우유가 상했을지도 몰라요. | The milk might have spoiled because the weather is too humid. |
PROBABILITY WITH 가능성이 있다/높다/낮다
The structure ‘-ㄹ 가능성이 있다/높다/낮다’ is used to describe the probability of an event occurring.
Depending on the modifier, you can express different levels of likelihood:
- -ㄹ 가능성이 있다 = There is a possibility (neutral).
- -ㄹ 가능성이 높다 = There is a high probability (likely).
- -ㄹ 가능성이 낮다 = There is a low probability (unlikely).
PATTERN
Verb stem + -ㄹ 가능성이 있다/높다/낮다
그 말이 사실 거짓일 가능성이 있어요.
There is a possibility that the statement is false.View More Examples:
| 암은 일찍 발견하면 생존 가능성이 높아요. | If cancer is detected early, the chances of survival are high. |
| 실패할 가능성이 낮지만 혹시 몰라요. | The possibility of failure is low, but you never know. |
EQUAL PROBABILITY WITH 반반이다
The term ‘반반이다’ means “fifty-fifty” or “even odds”. It is used when there is an equal chance of two outcomes happening.
- Equal probability (fifty-fifty): Use ‘반반이다’ when two outcomes are equally possible.
PATTERN
Subject + 반반이다
시험에 합격할 확률은 반반이에요.
The chance of passing the exam is 50-50.View More Examples:
| 실험이 성공할 확률은 반반이에요. | The chance of success is 50-50. |
| 우리팀이 경기에서 이길 가능성은 반반이에요. | There is a 50-50 chance of a tie. |
TIPS:
- ‘반반이다’ is informal but commonly used in everyday speech.
- Useful for casual conversations about uncertain situations.
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FAQs
What is the difference between 수 있다 and 수 없다?
수 있다 means “can” or “to be able to.”
수 없다 means “cannot” or “to not be able to.”
They express whether something is possible or not possible.
How do 높다 (to be high) and 낮다 (to be low) relate to possibility?
These adjectives are often used with 확률 (probability) to talk about chances:
가능성이 높다 = High possibility
가능성이 낮다 = Low possibility
Can I use 수 있다 to talk about both ability and permission?
Yes!
Ability: 저는 수영할 수 있어요. (I can swim.)
Permission: 지금 가도 될 수 있어요? (Can I go now?) → Though more natural would be using 될까요? or 가도 돼요?
What’s the difference between 가능하다 and 수 있다?
수 있다 is used with verbs to express someone’s ability to do something.
가능하다 is an adjective meaning “possible” and often used in more formal or written contexts.
Example:
갈 수 있어요. (I can go.)
그것은 가능합니다. (That is possible.)
How do I ask about possibility in a question?
Use 수 있다 in the question form:
여기에 앉을 수 있어요? (Can I sit here?)
You can also use phrases like:
가능해요? (Is it possible?)
확률이 높아요? (Is the chance high?)
Does LTL provide Korean classes?
Yes!
You can study with us in Seoul, in our Hongdae location, or online if you prefer learn from home.
Contact us here if you have any questions.