Confusing 'podía' and 'podría'

Use 'podría' to say something is possible but not 100% certain. It's the Spanish way of saying 'could' or 'might' when you're guessing about the future or a current situation.

Talking About Possibilities

While 'puede que' also means 'maybe', 'podría' often sounds a little softer and more like a personal thought or speculation.

Softer than 'Puede que'

Extremely common. This is one of the most frequent uses of 'podría'.

Using 'Puedes' instead of 'Podrías'

Using 'podría' or 'podrías' to ask someone to do something is much softer and more polite than giving a direct command. Think of it as the Spanish version of 'Could you...?'

The Polite Way to Ask

Use '¿Podrías...?' when talking to a friend (tú). Use '¿Podría...?' when talking to someone you don't know, an older person, or in a formal setting (usted).

Formal vs. Informal Requests

Extremely common in everyday conversation for being polite.

When you want to suggest an idea without being pushy, 'podríamos' ('we could') is the perfect tool. It invites others to agree or suggest something else.

Making Gentle Suggestions

You can also use 'podrías' to give friendly advice. For example, 'Podrías hablar con él para solucionar el problema.' ('You could talk to him to solve the problem.')

Use it to give advice

Very common for making plans with friends and colleagues.

'Podría' is key for talking about what's possible in an imaginary or hypothetical world. It often shows up in sentences that start with 'Si...' ('If...').

Imagining a Different Reality

Look for the 'Si + [past subjunctive verb], [conditional verb]' pattern. For example, 'Si PUDIERA (if I could), VIAJARÍA (I would travel)'. 'Podría' fits right into that second slot.

The 'If..., then...' Pattern

Common in more complex sentences about imaginary situations.

Learn how to use 'podría' in Spanish. Master its meanings for 'could,' 'might,' making polite requests, and expressing possibilities. Full examples, verb tables, and tips.

poder

Complete Conjugation Tables

🔄 Conjugations

indicative

present

preterite

imperfect

future

conditional

subjunctive

present

imperfect

imperative

affirmative

negative

Practice Conjugations