puedas
/PWEH-dahs/
Quick Reference
📝 In Action
Espero que puedas venir a la fiesta.
A2I hope you can come to the party.
Llámame cuando puedas.
A2Call me when you can.
No creo que puedas levantar eso tú solo.
B1I don't think you can lift that by yourself.
Te doy el dinero para que puedas comprar el libro.
B1I'm giving you the money so that you can buy the book.
💡 Grammar Points
The 'Subjunctive' Mood: For Wishes, Doubts, and Maybes
While 'puedes' means 'you can' for facts, 'puedas' is a special form used for things that aren't certain. Use it to talk about hopes, doubts, commands, or possibilities, often after phrases like 'espero que' (I hope that) or 'dudo que' (I doubt that).
❌ Common Pitfalls
Using 'puedes' Instead of 'puedas'
Mistake: "Espero que *puedes* venir."
Correction: Espero que *puedas* venir. Trigger words like 'espero que' (I hope that) signal that the situation is uncertain, so you need to switch to the special 'puedas' form.
⭐ Usage Tips
Your Go-To for 'When you can...'
A super common and useful phrase is 'cuando puedas' (when you can). It's a polite and natural way to ask someone to do something when they have a moment. For example: 'Envíame el email cuando puedas.'
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
preterite
imperfect
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: puedas
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence correctly uses 'puedas'?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between 'puedes' and 'puedas'?
They both mean 'you can,' but are used in different situations. Use 'puedes' for facts and definite statements ('Sé que puedes hacerlo' - I know you can do it). Use 'puedas' for wishes, doubts, and uncertain situations ('Espero que puedas hacerlo' - I hope you can do it).
Is 'puedas' only for 'tú' (informal you)?
Yes, 'puedas' is specifically the form for 'tú'. For 'usted' (formal you), the form is 'pueda'. For 'vosotros', it's 'podáis', and for 'ustedes', it's 'puedan'.