podrían
/poh-DREE-ahn/
they could
In this context, 'podrían' (they could) expresses a hypothetical ability—they now have the means (the boat) to cross the river.
podrían(Verb)
they could
?hypothetical ability or possibility
you could
?formal plural 'you' (ustedes)
,they would be able to
?expressing capability under a certain condition
📝 In Action
Si tuvieran más tiempo, podrían visitar el museo.
B1If they had more time, they could visit the museum.
Con un buen mapa, podrían encontrar el camino fácilmente.
B1With a good map, they could find the way easily.
Creo que ellos podrían ganar el partido.
A2I think that they could win the game.
💡 Grammar Points
The 'What If' Verb Form
'Podrían' is part of a verb form called the conditional. You use it to talk about things that could or would happen, often if another condition is met. It's for possibilities, not certainties.
⭐ Usage Tips
Softer than 'Will'
Use 'podrían' when you think something is possible but not guaranteed. It's a gentler, less certain way of talking about the future than saying 'van a' (they are going to).
Used as a polite request, '¿Podrían...?' (could you all?) is visualized by one person politely asking a group for assistance with heavy boxes.
podrían(Verb)
could you
?polite request to a group or in a formal setting
could they
?making a polite suggestion about what others could do
📝 In Action
¿Podrían ayudarme con estas cajas, por favor?
A2Could you help me with these boxes, please?
Disculpen, ¿podrían decirme dónde está la estación?
A2Excuse me, could you tell me where the station is?
Ustedes podrían esperar en la sala de juntas.
B1You all could wait in the conference room.
💡 Grammar Points
The Polite Way to Ask
Starting a question with '¿Podrían...?' is one of the most common and effective ways to sound polite when asking a group of people (or someone you call 'usted') for a favor.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Being Too Direct: 'Pueden' vs. 'Podrían'
Mistake: "¿Pueden traerme el menú?"
Correction: ¿Podrían traerme el menú? It's more polite. While 'pueden' (can you) isn't wrong, it can sound like you're questioning their ability. 'Podrían' (could you) is a softer request for a favor.
⭐ Usage Tips
Use with 'Ustedes'
'Podrían' is the go-to form when you are speaking to more than one person, or to anyone you would address with the formal 'ustedes' (you all).
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
preterite
imperfect
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: podrían
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence uses 'podrían' to talk about a hypothetical situation?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between 'podían' and 'podrían'?
The little 'r' makes a big difference! 'Podían' (with no 'r') is for the past; it means 'they were able to' or 'they could' do something repeatedly or over a period of time. 'Podrían' (with the 'r') is for hypothetical situations; it means 'they would be able to' or 'they could' do something if conditions were right. One is about the real past, the other is about a possible future or present.
Is 'podrían' only for 'they'?
No, it's also the form for 'ustedes', which means 'you all' (formal or informal depending on the region). So, '¿Podrían ayudarme?' means 'Could you all help me?'.