pueda
/PWEH-dah/
Quick Reference
📝 In Action
Ojalá que yo pueda ir al concierto.
A2I hope that I can go to the concert.
Espero que usted pueda ayudarme.
A2I hope that you can help me.
No creo que él pueda terminar a tiempo.
B1I don't think he can finish on time.
Buscamos a alguien que pueda hablar japonés.
B1We are looking for someone who can speak Japanese.
💡 Grammar Points
The 'Maybe' Verb Form (Subjunctive)
'Pueda' is a special form of the verb 'poder' (to be able to). We use it to talk about things that aren't certain facts, like wishes, doubts, or possibilities. Think of it as the 'maybe' or 'what if' form of the verb.
Who Uses 'Pueda'?
This single word 'pueda' works for three different people: 'yo' (I), 'él/ella' (he/she), and 'usted' (you, formal). The rest of the sentence tells you who is being talked about. For example: 'Espero que yo pueda' (I hope I can) vs. 'Espero que él pueda' (I hope he can).
❌ Common Pitfalls
Using 'Puede' Instead of 'Pueda'
Mistake: "Incorrect: 'Quiero que él *puede* venir.'"
Correction: Correct: 'Quiero que él *pueda* venir.' Why? Words that express wants, wishes, or doubts (like 'quiero que' or 'espero que') trigger this special verb form in Spanish.
⭐ Usage Tips
Your Go-To for Polite Requests
Use 'cuando pueda' (when you can) to make polite and flexible requests. It sounds much softer than giving a direct command. For example: 'Envíame el correo cuando pueda, por favor.' (Send me the email when you can, please.)
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
preterite
imperfect
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: pueda
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence correctly uses 'pueda'? Choose the best option.
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between 'puede' and 'pueda'?
Think of it this way: 'puede' is for facts and certainties ('Él puede hablar español' - He can speak Spanish), while 'pueda' is for possibilities, doubts, and wishes ('Espero que él pueda venir' - I hope he can come). If something is a sure thing, use 'puede'. If it's a 'maybe' or a 'what if', you'll likely need 'pueda'.
Does 'pueda' always mean 'I can'?
Not always! 'Pueda' can mean 'I can', 'he can', 'she can', or 'you (formal) can'. You have to look at the rest of the sentence to know who is being talked about. For example, 'Ojalá yo pueda' means 'I hope I can', while 'Ojalá ella pueda' means 'I hope she can'.