podrá
“podrá” means “will be able to” in Spanish (future capability).
will be able to
Also: can, may
📝 In Action
Ella no podrá asistir a la cena de mañana.
A2She will not be able to attend tomorrow's dinner.
El director podrá tomar una decisión la próxima semana.
B1The director will be able to make a decision next week.
Si no nos apuramos, no se podrá encontrar un buen asiento.
B2If we don't hurry, it won't be possible (one won't be able) to find a good seat.
Usted podrá recoger su pasaporte el jueves.
A2You (formal) can pick up your passport on Thursday.
Indicative
Present
Imperfect
Preterite
Subjunctive
Present Subjunctive
Imperfect Subjunctive
Translate to Spanish
Words that translate to "podrá" in Spanish:
can→✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: podrá
Question 1 of 2
Which English phrase best translates 'El médico podrá confirmar los resultados mañana'?
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👥 Word Family▼
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼
Comes from the Latin verb *potēre*, meaning 'to be powerful,' 'to be able,' or 'to have authority.' This concept of innate ability or strength has been the core meaning across centuries.
First recorded: Old Spanish (around 10th-12th century) as a form of *poder*.
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why is 'podrá' spelled with 'dr' and not just 'd' like the present tense form 'puede'?
Spanish future tense forms often come from a shortened, older version of the verb. In the case of *poder*, the infinitive stem adds an 'r' before the endings (po-d-er becomes po-dr-é, po-dr-ás, po-dr-á). This makes the pronunciation flow more easily and signals the future tense.
Can 'podrá' ever mean 'could'?
Yes, in a specific way! If you use 'podrá' to talk about something happening *now* (e.g., 'It may be raining'), it translates to 'could' or 'might' in English, showing probability rather than definite future ability.