pueden
“pueden” means “they can” in Spanish. It has 3 different meanings depending on context:
they can
Also: you all can, they are able to
📝 In Action
Los pájaros pueden volar.
A1Birds can fly.
¿Ustedes pueden hablar más despacio, por favor?
A1Can you all speak more slowly, please?
Mis amigos pueden correr muy rápido.
A2My friends can run very fast.
they may
Also: they are allowed to, you all may
📝 In Action
Los estudiantes pueden usar la biblioteca hasta las 9.
A2The students may use the library until 9.
Si ya terminaron, pueden irse a casa.
B1If you all are finished, you may go home.
¿Pueden los niños jugar aquí?
A2Are the children allowed to play here?
they might
Also: they could, it's possible that they
📝 In Action
No estoy seguro, pero pueden llegar tarde por el tráfico.
B1I'm not sure, but they might be late because of the traffic.
Si no les gusta la película, pueden elegir otra.
A2If they don't like the movie, they could choose another one.
Los resultados pueden variar.
B1The results may vary.
Indicative
Present
Imperfect
Preterite
Subjunctive
Present Subjunctive
Imperfect Subjunctive
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✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: pueden
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'pueden' to talk about PERMISSION?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
Comes from the Latin verb 'posse', which meant 'to be able'. This verb was a combination of 'potis' (able, capable) and 'esse' (to be). Over centuries, it evolved in Spanish into the verb 'poder'.
First recorded: Around the 10th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between 'pueden' and 'puedan'?
'Pueden' is the normal, everyday form for stating facts (They can swim). 'Puedan' is a special form, called the subjunctive, used after certain phrases that express doubt, desire, or emotion, like 'Espero que puedan venir' (I hope that they can come).
Is 'pueden' for 'they' or for 'you all'?
It's for both! 'Pueden' is used for 'ellos/ellas' (they) and also for 'ustedes' (you all). You can usually tell who it is from the context of the conversation.