Korean Dictionary
How to say "You can do it" in Korean
“You can do it” in Korean is 할 수 있어요 (pronounced "Hal su isseoyo").
할 수 있어요
Hal su isseoyo
Usage & Context
Expressing confidence in someone's ability to succeed. Combined with 믿어요 (I believe in you), it becomes a powerful motivational phrase. Very common before challenges like exams, presentations, and competitions. Often accompanied by the thumbs up gesture.
Example Sentence
많이 떨리죠? 할 수 있어요! 믿어요!
You must be nervous. You can do it! I believe in you!
How to use 할 수 있어요 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “You can do it” is 할 수 있어요, romanized as Hal su isseoyo.
Usage tip
Check the politeness level before using this word. Korean greetings often change depending on age, relationship, and setting.
Common mistake
Do not rely only on the English meaning. Read the Korean example sentence and notice the particles, word order, and politeness level around 할 수 있어요.
Pronunciation Guide
For '할' (Hal), it's like 'hall'. '수' (Su) is like 'soo' in 'soon'. For '있어요' (Isseoyo), 'Iss' is like 'iss' in 'hiss', 'eo' like 'uh' in 'up', and 'yo' like 'yo-yo'. The 'ㅆ' (ss) sound is a strong, tense 's'.
Formal & Casual Forms
Formal (존댓말)
할 수 있습니다
Hal su itseumnida
A more formal variant, often used in formal speeches, official statements, or when addressing a large audience.
Casual (반말)
할 수 있어
Hal su isseo
A casual form used with close friends or people younger than you.
More Example Sentences
Reassuring a friend who is feeling anxious about a task.
걱정 마! 너라면 충분히 할 수 있어요.
Don't worry! If it's you, you can definitely do it.
Motivating a team before a challenging project.
힘들겠지만, 우리는 해낼 수 있어요!
It might be tough, but we can get it done!
Encouraging someone who is struggling or about to give up.
포기하지 마세요. 당신은 할 수 있어요!
Don't give up. You can do it!
Cultural Context
'할 수 있어요' is a powerful motivational phrase in Korean culture, often used to encourage someone facing a challenge, like exams, job interviews, or competitions. It embodies a spirit of perseverance and belief in one's capabilities. It's frequently paired with '믿어요' (I believe in you) to amplify the encouragement. In K-dramas, you'll often see characters giving this encouragement to friends or loved ones, sometimes accompanied by a thumbs-up gesture or a pat on the back.
Editorial note
We check greetings like 할 수 있어요 for politeness and timing, since Korean greetings change with relationship, age, and setting.
Reviewed by Min-jung Park, Korean Language Teacher. Updated May 31, 2026. See our editorial standards.
Common Phrases
넌 할 수 있어!
You can do it! (casual, emphasizing 'you').
우리는 할 수 있다!
We can do it! (group cheer).
할 수 있다고 믿어요
I believe you can do it.
Related Expressions
화이팅!
Hwaiting!
Fighting! (Koreanized English, common cheer).
힘내세요
Himnaeseyo
Cheer up/Gain strength.
걱정 마세요
Geokjeong maseyo
Don't worry.
잘 될 거예요
Jal doel geoyeyo
It will turn out well.
More Greetings Words
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