Breakdown of אתה יכול להראות לי את החולצה הכחולה?
אתה
you
לי
to me
את
direct object marker
להיות יכול
to be able
Questions & Answers about אתה יכול להראות לי את החולצה הכחולה?
Why is אתה included? Doesn’t Hebrew often leave out you?
Yes. Hebrew often drops subject pronouns because the verb or predicate usually makes the person clear from context. So יכול already suggests you (masculine singular) can in many situations.
However, אתה is still very common when:
- you want to make the sentence clearer,
- you are directly addressing someone,
- you want a slightly more explicit or conversational tone,
- or you want emphasis.
So אתה יכול... is completely natural.
Why is it יכול and not a regular verb meaning can?
In Hebrew, יכול is not a separate helper verb exactly like English can. It is really an adjective-like form meaning able/capable.
So אתה יכול להראות... is literally closer to:
- you are able to show...
The form changes for gender and number:
- אתה יכול = you can (masculine singular)
- את יכולה = you can (feminine singular)
- אתם יכולים = you can (masculine or mixed plural)
- אתן יכולות = you can (feminine plural)
Why do we get להראות after יכול?