podría
/po-DREE-ah/
could
Like a sky that might rain, 'podría' is used to talk about something that could or might happen.
podría (Verb)
📝 In Action
Mira esas nubes, podría llover más tarde.
A2Look at those clouds, it could rain later.
No estoy seguro, pero podría ser la respuesta correcta.
B1I'm not sure, but it might be the right answer.
Si terminamos pronto, podríamos alcanzar el tren.
B1If we finish early, we could catch the train.
💡 Grammar Points
Talking About Possibilities
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.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Confusing 'podía' and 'podría'
Mistake: "Usé mi teléfono porque podía llamar a mi mamá."
Correction: This is actually correct if you mean 'I was able to'. But if you mean 'I could call my mom (as a possibility)', you'd use 'podría'. 'Podía' talks about ability in the past, while 'podría' talks about possibility or hypothetical situations.
⭐ Usage Tips
Softer than 'Puede que'
While 'puede que' also means 'maybe', 'podría' often sounds a little softer and more like a personal thought or speculation.
'Podría' and 'podrías' are perfect for making polite requests, like asking someone to pass the salt.
podría (Verb)
📝 In Action
¿Podrías pasarme la sal, por favor?
A2Could you pass me the salt, please?
¿Podría abrir la ventana? Hace mucho calor aquí.
A2Could you open the window? It's very hot in here.
¿Podrían hablar más bajo? Estoy intentando estudiar.
B1Could you (all) speak more quietly? I'm trying to study.
💡 Grammar Points
The Polite Way to Ask
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...?'
❌ Common Pitfalls
Using 'Puedes' instead of 'Podrías'
Mistake: "¿Puedes pasarme la sal?"
Correction: While not wrong, '¿Puedes...?' is more direct, like 'Can you...?'. Using '¿Podrías...?' is generally better with strangers or when you want to be extra polite.
⭐ Usage Tips
Formal vs. Informal Requests
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).
To make a friendly suggestion, like going to the movies, you can use 'podríamos' ('we could').
podría (Verb)
📝 In Action
Podríamos ir al cine esta noche.
B1We could go to the movies tonight.
Si no te gusta este restaurante, podríamos probar el italiano.
B1If you don't like this restaurant, we could try the Italian one.
Para el proyecto, podrías diseñar el logo y yo escribo el texto.
B2For the project, you could design the logo and I'll write the text.
💡 Grammar Points
Making Gentle Suggestions
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.
⭐ Usage Tips
Use it to give advice
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.')
'Podría' helps you talk about what you would be able to do, if only things were different.
podría (Verb)
📝 In Action
Si tuviera más dinero, podría comprar un coche nuevo.
B2If I had more money, I would be able to buy a new car.
Con más práctica, podrías hablar español fluidamente.
B2With more practice, you could speak Spanish fluently.
Si viviéramos más cerca, podríamos vernos más a menudo.
B2If we lived closer, we would be able to see each other more often.
💡 Grammar Points
Imagining a Different Reality
'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...').
⭐ Usage Tips
The 'If..., then...' Pattern
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.
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
preterite
imperfect
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: podría
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'podría' to make a polite request?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 'podía' and 'podría'?
This is a great question! 'Podía' (with no 'r') is for the past. It means 'was able to' or 'could' in the sense of having the ability to do something in the past. Example: 'Cuando era niño, podía correr muy rápido' (When I was a kid, I could run very fast). 'Podría' (with an 'r') is for possibilities or hypothetical situations. It means 'could' or 'might'. Example: 'Podría llover mañana' (It could rain tomorrow).
Can I just say '¿Puedes...?' instead of '¿Podrías...?' to ask for something?
You can, but it's more direct. '¿Puedes...?' is like asking 'Can you...?' in English. It's fine with friends and family. '¿Podrías...?' is like asking 'Could you...?'. It's softer, more polite, and a safer choice with strangers, in stores, or with people you want to show respect to.