Language/Catalan/Grammar/How-to-use-"can"-in-Catalan

"Can" is a modal verb in Catalan that is used to express ability, possibility, permission, and requests. In this lesson, we will explore how to use "can" in different contexts in Catalan.

Ability

"Can" is often used to express ability in Catalan. To do this, you simply need to conjugate the verb "poder" (to be able to) according to the subject of the sentence. For example:

• Jo puc nedar molt bé. (I can swim very well.)
• Ell pot parlar quatre llengües. (He can speak four languages.)

Possibility

"Can" can also be used to express possibility in Catalan. In this case, it is often followed by the verb "ser" (to be) and an adjective or noun. For example:

• Pot ser que plougui demà. (It may rain tomorrow.)
• Pots ser un gran escriptor. (You can be a great writer.)

Permission

"Can" can be used to express permission in Catalan. In this case, it is often followed by the verb "fer" (to do) and an action. For example:

• Pots fer-ho si vols. (You can do it if you want.)
• Podem anar al parc? (Can we go to the park?)

Requests

"Can" can also be used to make requests in Catalan. In this case, it is often followed by the verb in the infinitive form. For example:

• Em pots ajudar a portar això? (Can you help me carry this?)
• Podries obrir la finestra, si us plau? (Could you open the window, please?)

Poder

Present Tense

JO PUC

VOSTÈ POT

ELL POT

ELLA POT

NOSALTRES PODEM

VOSALTRES PODEU

ELLS PODEN

Past Tense

JO PODIA

VOSTÈ PODIA

ELL PODIA

ELLA PODIA

NOSALTRES PODIEM

VOSALTRES PODIEU

ELLS PODIEN

Future Tense

JO PODRÉ

VOSTÈ PODRÀ

ELL PODRÀ

ELLA PODRÀ

NOSALTRES PODREM

VOSALTRES PODREU

ELLS PODRAN

Conclusion

"Can" is a versatile verb in Catalan that can be used to express ability, possibility, permission, and requests. By learning how to use "can" correctly, you can improve your Catalan language skills and communicate more effectively with native speakers.