podemos
/poh-DEH-mohs/
we can
Just like these friends lifting a box together, 'podemos' shows that 'we can' do something because we have the ability.
podemos(Verb)
we can
?expressing ability
we are able to
?a slightly more formal way to say 'we can'
📝 In Action
Nosotros podemos levantar la mesa.
A1We can lift the table.
¡Claro que podemos terminar el proyecto a tiempo!
A2Of course we can finish the project on time!
Podemos ver el mar desde nuestra ventana.
A1We can see the sea from our window.
💡 Grammar Points
The 'Two Verb' Rule
When 'podemos' is followed by another action, that second verb stays in its original form (like 'hablar', 'comer', 'vivir'). For example, 'Podemos comer' (We can eat).
❌ Common Pitfalls
Can vs. Know How
Mistake: "Using 'podemos' to say you know how to do something, like 'Podemos hablar español.'"
Correction: Use 'sabemos' for skills. Say 'Sabemos hablar español' (We know how to speak Spanish). Use 'podemos' for ability in the moment: 'Podemos hablar ahora' (We can talk now).
Here, 'podemos' is used to ask for permission. The children are asking, 'May we go?' or 'Are we allowed to go?'
podemos(Verb)
we may
?asking for or stating permission
we are allowed to
?clarifying that permission has been given
📝 In Action
Disculpe, ¿podemos pasar?
A2Excuse me, may we come in?
El profesor dijo que podemos usar los libros.
A2The teacher said we are allowed to use the books.
No podemos hacer ruido después de las diez.
B1We are not allowed to make noise after ten.
⭐ Usage Tips
A Polite Way to Ask
Starting a question with '¿Podemos...?' is a very common and polite way to ask for permission in Spanish, much like saying 'May we...?' in English.
When you ask a question like '¿Podemos...?', it's often a friendly way to suggest something, like 'Shall we go to the beach?'
📝 In Action
¿Podemos ir al parque más tarde?
A2Shall we go to the park later?
Si no llueve, podemos comer afuera.
B1If it doesn't rain, we could eat outside.
Podemos ayudarte con la mudanza si necesitas.
A2We can help you with the move if you need.
⭐ Usage Tips
Making Gentle Suggestions
Using 'podemos' is a softer, more inclusive way to make a suggestion than giving a direct command. It invites the other person to agree or disagree.
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: podemos
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence uses 'podemos' to ask for permission?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between 'podemos' and 'sabemos'?
Think of it this way: 'podemos' is about ABILITY or PERMISSION ('we can'), while 'sabemos' is about KNOWLEDGE or SKILL ('we know how'). You 'sabemos nadar' (know how to swim) because you learned the skill. On a sunny day, you 'podemos nadar' (can swim) because you have the ability and opportunity.
Is 'podemos' only for the present?
Yes, 'podemos' is the form for 'we' in the present tense (both for statements and for a special 'wishing' form called the subjunctive). For the past, you would say 'pudimos' (we could/were able to) or 'podíamos' (we used to be able to). For the future, it's 'podremos' (we will be able to).