Inklingo

puedan

PWEH-dahnˈpweðan

puedan means can in Spanish (expressing desire, doubt, or necessity about a group (they/you plural)).

can, may be able to

Also: are able to
VerbB1irregular (o>ue stem change, plus irregular forms) er
Three small, stylized figures working together to lift a large, brightly colored heart shape, symbolizing collective ability and potential.
past Participlepodido
infinitivepoder
gerundpudiendo

📝 In Action

Espero que los estudiantes puedan resolver el problema.

B1

I hope that the students can solve the problem.

No creo que ellas puedan llegar a tiempo.

B2

I don't believe that they can arrive on time.

Quizás no puedan terminar el proyecto hoy.

B1

Perhaps they cannot finish the project today.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • ser capaz de (to be capable of)
  • tener la habilidad de (to have the ability to)

Common Collocations

  • Es posible que puedanIt is possible that they can
  • No creo que puedanI don't think they can

🔄 Conjugations

subjunctive

imperfect

pudieras / pudieses
vosotrospudierais / pudieseis
nosotrospudiéramos / pudiésemos
yopudiera / pudiese
él/ella/ustedpudiera / pudiese
ellos/ellas/ustedespudieran / pudiesen

present

puedas
vosotrospodáis
nosotrospodamos
yopueda
él/ella/ustedpueda
ellos/ellas/ustedespuedan

indicative

preterite

pudiste
vosotrospudisteis
nosotrospudimos
yopude
él/ella/ustedpudo
ellos/ellas/ustedespudieron

imperfect

podías
vosotrospodíais
nosotrospodíamos
yopodía
él/ella/ustedpodía
ellos/ellas/ustedespodían

present

puedes
vosotrospodéis
nosotrospodemos
yopuedo
él/ella/ustedpuede
ellos/ellas/ustedespueden

Translate to Spanish

Words that translate to "puedan" in Spanish:

can

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: puedan

Question 1 of 1

Which sentence correctly uses 'puedan'?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family
🎵 Rhymes
📚 Etymology

The verb *poder* comes from the Latin verb *potēre*, meaning 'to be powerful' or 'to be able.' The modern forms, including *puedan*, show the changes in vowel sounds that happened as Latin evolved into Spanish.

First recorded: Old Spanish (around 10th-11th century)

Cognates (Related words)

Portuguese: possamFrench: puissent

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between 'pueden' and 'puedan'?

'Pueden' is the simple present tense (indicative) and is used for facts or certainty: *Ellos pueden nadar* (They can swim). 'Puedan' is the subjunctive form, used when expressing doubt, wishes, necessity, or emotion about their ability: *Dudo que puedan nadar* (I doubt that they can swim).