Language/Spanish/Grammar/Poder

Mastering the Verb "Poder" (to be able to, can) in Spanish

The verb "Poder" is a key verb in Spanish, used to express ability, permission, or possibility. Its irregular conjugation and frequent use in everyday language make it a crucial verb for Spanish learners to master. This lesson will cover the conjugation of "Poder" in different tenses, its usage in various contexts, and its role in expressing capability and possibility.

Conjugation

"Poder" is an irregular verb, meaning that it does not follow standard conjugation patterns. This section will guide you through its conjugation in various tenses.

Present Tense - Presente de Indicativo

• yo puedo - I can
• tú puedes - you can (informal)
• él/ella/usted puede - he/she/you (formal) can
• nosotros/nosotras podemos - we can
• vosotros/vosotras podéis - you all can (informal)
• ellos/ellas/ustedes pueden - they/you all (formal) can

Past Tense - Pretérito Perfecto Simple

• yo pude - I was able to
• tú pudiste - you were able to (informal)
• él/ella/usted pudo - he/she/you (formal) was able to
• nosotros/nosotras pudimos - we were able to
• vosotros/vosotras pudisteis - you all were able to (informal)
• ellos/ellas/ustedes pudieron - they/you all (formal) were able to

Future Tense - Futuro Simple

• yo podré - I will be able to
• tú podrás - you will be able to (informal)
• él/ella/usted podrá - he/she/you (formal) will be able to
• nosotros/nosotras podremos - we will be able to
• vosotros/vosotras podréis - you all will be able to (informal)
• ellos/ellas/ustedes podrán - they/you all (formal) will be able to

Subjunctive Mood

• yo pueda - I may be able to
• tú puedas - you may be able to (informal)
• él/ella/usted pueda - he/she/you (formal) may be able to
• nosotros/nosotras podamos - we may be able to
• vosotros/vosotras podáis - you all may be able to (informal)
• ellos/ellas/ustedes puedan - they/you all (formal) may be able to

Uses of the Verb "Poder"

"Poder" is frequently used to talk about abilities, possibilities, and permissions in Spanish.

Expressing Ability

• Puedo hablar español - I can speak Spanish

Talking about Possibility

• ¿Puede ser? - Can it be?

Asking for or Giving Permission

• ¿Puedo entrar? - May I enter?

Examples of Use

This section provides practical examples of how "Poder" is used in real-life contexts:

Daily Conversations

• No puedo ir hoy - I can't go today

Expressing Potential

• Podemos ganar el juego - We can win the game

Complete Quiz

Test your knowledge of "Poder" with these questions.

• 1. Correct form of "Poder" in: "Yo _____ hacerlo."

a) puedo

b) puede

c) podemos

• 2. Translate to Spanish: "They could not come."

a) No pueden venir

b) No podían venir

c) No podrían venir

Answers

1. a) puedo

2. b) No podían venir

Other Lessons

• Use of verb Tener
• Use of verb Haber
• Use of verb Ser
• Use of verb Ir
• Use of verb Decir
• Be Polite
• The word that cannot be written