Forgetting the 'ue' Switch

The verb 'poder' is a 'stem-changing' verb. Notice how the 'o' changes to 'ue' for most 'present' forms (yo puedo, tú puedes, él puede), but not for 'nosotros' (podemos). This is a very common pattern in Spanish!

The 'o' to 'ue' Switch

To say what someone can *do*, just use 'puede' followed by another verb in its basic, original form (like 'hablar', 'correr', 'comer'). For example, 'Él puede hablar español'.

The 'Verb + Verb' Formula

Extremely common. This is one of the first and most useful verbs you'll learn.

When you use 'puede que' to talk about possibility, the verb that follows often changes into a special form (called the subjunctive). For example, 'Puede que **venga**' (He might come), not 'viene'.

A Special Verb Form for 'Maybe'

The phrase 'puede ser' is a fantastic, all-purpose way to say 'maybe,' 'it could be,' or 'that's possible.' It's a great response when you're not sure about something.

Your Go-To Word for 'Maybe'

Very common, especially in everyday conversation about plans or future events.

'Puede' is used for the formal 'you' (usted). If you are talking to a friend, you would use the informal version: 'puedes'. For example, '¿Puedes ayudarme?'

Formal vs. Informal 'You'

Starting a question with '¿Puede...?' is a very polite way to ask someone you don't know well (like a waiter, shopkeeper, or official) to do something. It's much softer than a direct command.

The Polite Way to Ask

Very common in service situations (restaurants, shops) and when asking for things politely.

Learn the uses of the Spanish word 'puede' from the verb 'poder'. Understand how to express ability ('can'), possibility ('may'), and permission, with full conjugations, examples, and tips.

puede

Complete Conjugation Tables

🔄 Conjugations

indicative

present

future

imperfect

conditional

preterite

imperative

negative

affirmative

subjunctive

present

imperfect

Practice Conjugations