Meaning and Use
The French verb pouvoir means can or to be able to. It is used to express ability, permission, or possibility. For example, "Je peux parler français" means "I can speak French." It is an irregular verb and one of the most frequently used verbs in French.
Conjugation Overview
Pouvoir is conjugated irregularly in the present tense, past, future, and conditional moods. Its stem changes depending on the tense. The verb is typically used with an infinitive verb following it to indicate what action can be done.
Present Tense Conjugation
The present tense of pouvoir expresses current ability or permission. Below is the full conjugation in the present indicative tense.
| French Pronoun | French Conjugation | English Conjugation | French Example | English Example |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Je | peux | can / am able to | Je peux lire ce livre. | I can read this book. |
| Tu | peux | can / are able to | Tu peux venir ce soir ? | Can you come tonight? |
| Il / Elle / On | peut | can / is able to | Elle peut parler espagnol. | She can speak Spanish. |
| Nous | pouvons | can / are able to | Nous pouvons commencer. | We can start. |
| Vous | pouvez | can / are able to | Vous pouvez entrer. | You can come in. |
| Ils / Elles | peuvent | can / are able to | Ils peuvent aider demain. | They can help tomorrow. |
Passé Composé
Pouvoir in the passé composé indicates that someone was able to do something (successfully did it).
- Auxiliary verb: avoir
- Past participle: pu
Example:
J'ai pu finir mes devoirs.
(I was able to finish my homework.)
Future Tense
The future tense expresses what someone will be able to do.
| French Pronoun | French Conjugation | English Conjugation | French Example | English Example |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Je | pourrai | will be able to | Je pourrai venir demain. | I will be able to come tomorrow. |
| Tu | pourras | will be able to | Tu pourras gagner. | You will be able to win. |
| Il / Elle / On | pourra | will be able to | Il pourra finir à temps. | He will be able to finish on time. |
| Nous | pourrons | will be able to | Nous pourrons aider. | We will be able to help. |
| Vous | pourrez | will be able to | Vous pourrez visiter. | You will be able to visit. |
| Ils / Elles | pourront | will be able to | Elles pourront réussir. | They will be able to succeed. |
Conditional Mood
Pouvoir in the conditional is used to express possibility or polite requests, often translated as could or would be able to.
Example:
Je pourrais venir si j'étais libre.
(I could come if I were free.)
Common Expressions with Pouvoir
- Pouvoir + infinitive: ability or permission (e.g., "Je peux sortir" — I can go out)
- Ne pas pouvoir: inability (e.g., "Je ne peux pas venir" — I cannot come)
- Pouvoir-être: possibility (e.g., "Cela peut être vrai" — That could be true)
Summary
Pouvoir is an essential verb in French to express capability, permission, and possibility. Its irregular conjugation should be memorized, especially in the present, future, and conditional tenses. Understanding its use is key to mastering common French conversation and grammar.
