puede
/PWEH-deh/
can
Here, 'puede' shows someone has the ability or strength to do something, like 'she can lift the box'.
📝 In Action
Mi hermano puede correr muy rápido.
A1My brother can run very fast.
Ella no puede venir a la fiesta esta noche.
A1She can't come to the party tonight.
Este ascensor puede llevar a seis personas.
A2This elevator can carry six people.
💡 Grammar Points
The 'o' to 'ue' Switch
The verb 'poder' is a 'stem-changing' verb. Notice how the 'o' changes to 'ue' for most 'present' forms (yo puedo, tú puedes, él puede), but not for 'nosotros' (podemos). This is a very common pattern in Spanish!
❌ Common Pitfalls
Forgetting the 'ue' Switch
Mistake: "Yo podo abrir la ventana."
Correction: Yo puedo abrir la ventana. Remember that the 'o' needs to change to 'ue' for the 'yo' form.
⭐ Usage Tips
The 'Verb + Verb' Formula
To say what someone can do, just use 'puede' followed by another verb in its basic, original form (like 'hablar', 'correr', 'comer'). For example, 'Él puede hablar español'.
'Puede' can also talk about what's possible or might happen, like 'it may rain later'.
📝 In Action
Puede que llueva esta tarde.
A2It may rain this afternoon.
Llama a la tienda, puede que esté abierta todavía.
B1Call the store, it might still be open.
Puede ser una buena idea.
A2It could be a good idea.
💡 Grammar Points
A Special Verb Form for 'Maybe'
When you use 'puede que' to talk about possibility, the verb that follows often changes into a special form (called the subjunctive). For example, 'Puede que venga' (He might come), not 'viene'.
⭐ Usage Tips
Your Go-To Word for 'Maybe'
The phrase 'puede ser' is a fantastic, all-purpose way to say 'maybe,' 'it could be,' or 'that's possible.' It's a great response when you're not sure about something.
You use 'puede' to ask for or give permission ('May I...?') and to make polite requests ('Can you...?').
📝 In Action
Disculpe, ¿puede ayudarme, por favor?
A1Excuse me, can you help me, please?
¿Se puede pagar con tarjeta de crédito?
A2Can one pay with a credit card?
Sí, puede pasar.
A1Yes, you may come in.
💡 Grammar Points
Formal vs. Informal 'You'
'Puede' is used for the formal 'you' (usted). If you are talking to a friend, you would use the informal version: 'puedes'. For example, '¿Puedes ayudarme?'
⭐ Usage Tips
The Polite Way to Ask
Starting a question with '¿Puede...?' is a very polite way to ask someone you don't know well (like a waiter, shopkeeper, or official) to do something. It's much softer than a direct command.
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: puede
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence is talking about a possibility, not an ability?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between 'puede' and 'puedes'?
'Puede' is for 'he', 'she', 'it', or the formal 'you' (usted). 'Puedes' is only for the informal 'you' (tú). You use 'puedes' with friends and family, and 'puede' with strangers, elders, or in professional settings.
When do I use 'puede' versus 'sabe'?
Use 'puede' for general ability or possibility ('He can run fast'). Use 'sabe' when talking about knowing *how* to do a learned skill ('He knows how to swim'). If someone has a broken leg, they 'no pueden' (can't) swim, even if they 'saben' (know how to) swim.
What does 'puede que' mean?
'Puede que' is a very common phrase that means 'maybe' or 'it may be that...'. It's used to talk about things that are possible but not certain. For example, 'Puede que vaya al cine' means 'Maybe I'll go to the movies'.