Poder is a fundamental Spanish verb that expresses ability, permission, and possibility. It means "to be able to" or "can," and its usage allows speakers to communicate what they can do, may do, or are allowed to do. Because it’s a modal verb, poder is typically followed by another verb in the infinitive form, linking the idea of ability or permission to an action.
- Expresses ability, permission, and possibility.
- Used as a modal verb with an infinitive: poder + [verb].
- Essential for everyday situations and nuanced communication.
'poder' expresses ability, permission, and possibility.
To be able to, can
Conjugation Overview
'poder' is an irregular verb.
'poder' uses stem changes in Present, Preterite, and Subjunctive.
Poder is an irregular verb with a stem change and unique forms in several moods. Below are the key conjugations:
| Tense | Conjugation | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Present | puedo, puedes, puede, podemos, podéis, pueden | Stem change: o → ue (except nosotros/vosotros) |
| Preterite | pude, pudiste, pudo, pudimos, pudisteis, pudieron | Stem: poder → pud- |
| Imperfect | podía, podías, podía, podíamos, podíais, podían | Regular ending, no stem change |
| Conditional | podría, podrías, podría, podríamos, podríais, podrían | Regular endings on stem "pod-" |
| Future | podré, podrás, podrá, podremos, podréis, podrán | Regular endings on stem "pod-" |
| Present Subj. | pueda, puedas, pueda, podamos, podáis, puedan | Stem change like present (o→ue) |
Podemos is the 'nosotros' form in present tense.
In the preterite, 'poder' uses the stem 'pud-'.
Usage: Ability, Permission, Possibility
Ability
Poder is most commonly used to express ability—what someone is capable of doing.
- Spanish: Yo puedo nadar.
- English: I can swim.
'Yo puedo hablar español.' uses 'poder' correctly for ability.
Permission
Poder can also grant or ask for permission (similar to "may" or "can you" in English).
- Spanish: ¿Puedes salir temprano?
- English: Can you leave early?
Possibility
Poder also expresses possibility—something that might happen or could be done.
- Spanish: Esto puede funcionar.
- English: This could work / This may work.
Example Sentences
| Use | Spanish | English |
|---|---|---|
| Ability | Ella puede bailar muy bien. | She can dance very well. |
| Permission | ¿Podemos usar tu coche? | Can we use your car? |
| Possibility | Puede que llueva mañana. | It might rain tomorrow. |
Exercises
- Conjugate poder in the present tense for all subjects.
- Write three sentences using poder: one for ability, one for permission, and one for possibility.
- Identify the stem change in poder and list the tenses where it applies.
'poder' is irregular due to its stem changes and conjugation pattern.
'poder' expresses ability, permission, and possibility.
The infinitive for 'can' or 'to be able to' is 'poder.'
The stem change (o>ue) occurs in the present and present subjunctive.
Conclusion
Poder is an indispensable Spanish verb for expressing what people can do, may do, or might do. Its irregular conjugation and wide-ranging usefulness make it essential for all levels of Spanish learners.
- Use poder for ability, permission, and possibility.
- Master its conjugations to communicate nuanced meanings.
- Practice with real-life examples for fluency.
'poder' means to be able, can, may.
The 'yo' form is 'puedo.'
Use 'Podemos comer' for 'We can eat.'