Everyday Korean · one useful step · LESSON 3 / 4

Ability or permission?

Use the situation to distinguish a skill from permission.

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At a station exhibit, you can take photos with your phone, but you still need to ask about the venue rule.

이 휴대폰으로 사진을 찍을 수 있어요.

I can take photos with this phone.

여기에서 사진을 찍어도 돼요?

May I take a photo here?

A quick reminder before you practise

Ask about everyday activities →

Extend the permission pattern to eating and taking photos.

Notice the pattern

Use -(으)ㄹ 수 있어요 for ability in the first example. Use -아/어도 돼요? to ask permission directly. In other contexts, a question with -(으)ㄹ 수 있어요? can also ask about practical possibility or what a place allows. Here the situation tells you which meaning to practise.

Try it yourself

Which question directly asks about the venue rule?

Which says what your phone can do?

Ask your companion to take the photo.

Build “May I take a photo here?”

…

RETRIEVE BEFORE YOU REVEAL

Say it in your own time.

Say your phone can take photos, then ask whether you may take one here.

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