Verb: **Poder**
Introduction
The verb poder is an essential part of the Spanish language used to convey ability or possibility. Its meaning is similar to "can" or "may" in English.
Conjugation
| Subject | Present | Preterite | Past Participle |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yo | puedo | pude | podido |
| Tú | puedes | pudiste | |
| Él/Ella/Usted | puede | pudo | |
| Nosotros | podemos | pudimos | |
| Vosotros | podéis | pudisteis | |
| Ellos/Ellas/Ustedes | pueden | pudieron |
Usage
- Present Tense (Presente): Used to express current abilities or possibilities.
- Yo puedo hablar español. (I can speak Spanish.)
- ¿Puedes ayudarme? (Can you help me?)
- Preterite Tense (Pretérito): Used to describe past abilities or specific situations where something was possible.
- No pude ir a la fiesta. (I couldn't go to the party.)
- Ella no pudo terminar el trabajo. (She couldn't finish the work.*)
- Past Participle: Used in perfect tenses to describe completed actions.
- He podido visitar a mi abuela. (I have been able to visit my grandmother.)
Key Examples
- ¿Puedo salir temprano? (Can I leave early?)
- Ellos no pueden venir hoy. (They can't come today.*)
- Nosotros podemos ir al cine mañana. (We can go to the movies tomorrow.*)
Conclusion
Poder is a versatile verb in Spanish that helps express what one is capable of doing or what is possible. Its conjugations change to fit the context, making it an indispensable tool for communication.