podíamos
poh-DEE-ah-mos
Quick Reference
📝 In Action
Cuando vivíamos allí, podíamos ir a la playa todos los días.
A2When we lived there, we could go to the beach every day.
No sabíamos que podíamos usar el ascensor, así que subimos las escaleras.
B1We didn't know we were allowed to use the elevator, so we took the stairs.
Antes de la tormenta, podíamos ver las estrellas claramente.
A2Before the storm, we could see the stars clearly.
Si llegábamos a tiempo, podíamos comprar entradas.
B1If we arrived on time, we could buy tickets.
💡 Grammar Points
The Imperfect Tense
This form, 'podíamos,' describes an ability or possibility that was ongoing, habitual, or a general state in the past. Think of it as 'we used to be able to' or 'we were able to (at that time).'
Ability vs. Success
Use 'podíamos' (imperfect) to state that the ability existed: 'Podíamos ir' (We had the ability to go). Use 'pudimos' (preterite) to state that the ability was successfully used: 'Pudimos ir' (We managed to go).
❌ Common Pitfalls
Using the Preterite for Ongoing Ability
Mistake: "Cuando éramos jóvenes, pudimos viajar mucho. (Using 'pudimos' suggests a single, successful action.)"
Correction: Cuando éramos jóvenes, podíamos viajar mucho. (Use 'podíamos' to describe the general, habitual ability during that time.)
⭐ Usage Tips
Describing Past Conditions
'Podíamos' is often used alongside other imperfect verbs to paint a picture of a past situation: 'Hacía sol y podíamos nadar.' (It was sunny and we could swim.)
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: podíamos
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence correctly uses 'podíamos' to describe a *habitual* past ability?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 'podíamos' and 'pudimos'?
'Podíamos' (Imperfect) means 'we were able to' or 'we could' in an ongoing or habitual sense, describing the ability itself. 'Pudimos' (Preterite) means 'we managed to' or 'we succeeded in doing' a specific action at a specific moment in the past.
Does 'podíamos' imply that the action actually happened?
No, not necessarily. 'Podíamos' only implies that the *ability* or *opportunity* existed. For example, 'Podíamos comprarlo' means 'We had the option to buy it,' but it doesn't confirm if the purchase happened.