Vietnamese Grammar Bank
POTENTIAL IN VIETNAMESE
In this lesson, you will learn how to express potential in Vietnamese using phrases like “có thể”, “có cơ hội”, and “có khả năng”.
These expressions help you talk about possibilities, opportunities, and abilities in different contexts.
CÓ THỂ = CAN
“Có thể” is used to express possibility or probability in the present or future.
PATTERN
Subject + có thể + Verb
For example:
| Anh ấy có thể giải quyết vấn đề này. | He can solve this problem |
| Cô ấy có thể trở thành một bác sĩ giỏi. | She can become a good doctor |
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| Dự án này có thể thành công. | This project can succeed |
| Tôi có thể hoàn thành công việc trước thời hạn. | I can finish the work ahead of schedule |
| Trẻ em có thể học rất nhanh. | Children can learn very quickly |
| Họ có thể đến vào chiều nay. | They can come this afternoon |
CÓ KHẢ NĂNG = TO BE CAPABLE OF
“Có khả năng” is used to emphasize someone’s or something’s capability or ability.
PATTERN
Subject + có khả năng + Verb
For example:
| Anh ấy có khả năng học rất nhanh. | He has the ability to learn very quickly |
| Dự án này có khả năng thành công cao. | This project has a high potential for success |
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| Cô ấy có khả năng thuyết phục người khác. | She has the ability to persuade others |
| Chúng ta có khả năng hoàn thành mục tiêu. | We have the potential to achieve the goal |
| Trẻ em có khả năng thích nghi nhanh. | Children have the potential to adapt quickly |
| Công nghệ này có khả năng thay đổi thế giới. | This technology has the potential to change the world |
CÓ CƠ HỘI = TO HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY
“Có cơ hội” is used to express the opportunity of someone to do something.
PATTERN
Subject + có cơ hội + Verb
For example:
| Tôi có cơ hội làm việc ở nước ngoài. | I have the chance to work abroad. |
| Cô ấy có cơ hội giành chiến thắng. | She has the opportunity to win |
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| Họ có cơ hội hợp tác với một công ty lớn. | They have the chance to collaborate with a big company |
| Chúng ta có cơ hội tham gia dự án quốc tế | We have the opportunity to join an international project. |
| Anh ấy có cơ hội được thăng chức. | He has the chance to be promoted |
| Cô ấy không có cơ hội để giải thích. | She didn’t have the opportunity to explain |
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FAQs
What is the difference between “có thể” and “có khả năng”?
“Có thể” is often used to express general possibility or permission, while “có khả năng” emphasizes someone’s ability or potential to do something.
Can I use “có cơ hội” in place of “có thể”?
No, “có cơ hội” refers to having an opportunity, not just the possibility or ability to do something.
It’s more context-dependent.
Is “có khả năng” formal or casual?
“Có khả năng” is more formal and often used in written or professional contexts, while “có thể” is more common in everyday conversation.
How do I negate these expressions of potential?
You can negate them by adding “không” in front, such as “không thể” (cannot), “không có khả năng” (lack the ability), or “không có cơ hội” (no opportunity).
Can these expressions be used with both verbs and nouns?
Yes, especially “có thể” and “có khả năng” can be followed by verbs (có thể đi – can go) or noun clauses (có khả năng thành công – potential for success).
Can I study in Vietnam with LTL?
Yes, you can!
You can study with us in Saigon or Hanoi, in both group or individual classes.
You’ll even have the opportunity to live with a Vietnamese family, thanks to our homestays.
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