podría
“podría” means “could” in Spanish. It has 4 different meanings depending on context:
could
Also: might, may
📝 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.
could you
Also: would you mind
📝 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.
we could
Also: we might
📝 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.
would be able to
Also: could
📝 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.
Indicative
Present
Imperfect
Preterite
Subjunctive
Present Subjunctive
Imperfect Subjunctive
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: podría
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'podría' to make a polite request?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼
The word 'podría' comes from the verb 'poder'. 'Poder' itself grew out of the Latin word 'posse', which meant 'to be able'. The '-ía' ending is the standard Spanish ending for this 'conditional' form, which is used to talk about things that could or would happen under certain conditions.
First recorded: Forms related to 'poder' appeared in Old Spanish around the 10th century.
Cognates (Related words)
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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.