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puede

PWEH-dehˈpwe.ðe

“puede” means “can” in Spanish. It has 3 different meanings depending on context:

can

Also: is able to
VerbA1Irregular (stem-changing o>ue) er
A woman easily lifting a box that looks heavy, demonstrating her physical ability.
infinitivepoder
gerundpudiendo
past Participlepodido

📝 In Action

Mi hermano puede correr muy rápido.

A1

My brother can run very fast.

Ella no puede venir a la fiesta esta noche.

A1

She can't come to the party tonight.

Este ascensor puede llevar a seis personas.

A2

This elevator can carry six people.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • ser capaz de (to be capable of)

Antonyms

  • ser incapaz de (to be incapable of)

Common Collocations

  • no puede ser – it can't be
  • hacer todo lo que puede – to do everything one can

may

Also: might, could
VerbA2Irregular (stem-changing o>ue) er
A person looking up at a sky that has both sunshine and dark rain clouds, suggesting uncertainty about the weather.
infinitivepoder
gerundpudiendo
past Participlepodido

📝 In Action

Puede que llueva esta tarde.

A2

It may rain this afternoon.

Llama a la tienda, puede que esté abierta todavía.

B1

Call the store, it might still be open.

Puede ser una buena idea.

A2

It could be a good idea.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • es posible que (it's possible that)

Common Collocations

  • puede que – it may be that / maybe
  • puede ser – maybe / it could be

may

Also: can
VerbA2Irregular (stem-changing o>ue) erformal
A person gesturing politely towards an open door, allowing another person to enter, signifying permission.
infinitivepoder
gerundpudiendo
past Participlepodido

📝 In Action

Disculpe, ¿puede ayudarme, por favor?

A1

Excuse me, can you help me, please?

¿Se puede pagar con tarjeta de crédito?

A2

Can one pay with a credit card?

Sí, puede pasar.

A1

Yes, you may come in.

Word Connections

Synonyms

Antonyms

Common Collocations

  • ¿Se puede? – May I? / Can one?

Indicative

Present

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

Imperfect

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

Preterite

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

Subjunctive

Present Subjunctive

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

Imperfect Subjunctive

yopudiera
túpudieras
él/ella/ustedpudiera
nosotrospudiéramos
vosotrospudierais
ellos/ellas/ustedespudieran
View All Tenses & Moods →

Translate to Spanish

Words that translate to "puede" in Spanish:

can→could→may→might→

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: puede

Question 1 of 2

Which sentence is talking about a possibility, not an ability?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family▼
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼

Comes from the Vulgar Latin verb 'potēre', which itself is from the Classical Latin 'posse', meaning 'to be able'. It's related to English words that suggest power and possibility, like 'potent' and 'potential'.

First recorded: c. 950

Cognates (Related words)

Portuguese: podeItalian: puòFrench: peut

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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'.