puedes
/PWEH-dess/
Quick Reference
📝 In Action
Tú puedes hablar español muy bien.
A1You can speak Spanish very well.
¿Puedes ayudarme con esto, por favor?
A1Can you help me with this, please?
Si terminas tu tarea, puedes jugar videojuegos.
A2If you finish your homework, you can play video games.
Puedes encontrar de todo en ese mercado.
B1You can find everything in that market.
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
preterite
imperfect
subjunctive
present
imperfect
💡 Grammar Points
'Puedes' is for 'Tú' (Informal You)
'Puedes' is the form of 'poder' (to be able to) you use when talking to one person you know well, like a friend, family member, or someone your age.
Follow with the Basic Verb Form
After 'puedes', the next verb almost always stays in its original '-ar', '-er', or '-ir' form. For example, say 'Puedes correr' (You can run), not 'Puedes corres'.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Mixing up 'Puedes' and 'Puede'
Mistake: "Using 'puedes' when speaking formally to an elder or a stranger."
Correction: Use 'puedes' for a friend ('tú'). For someone you'd call 'sir' or 'ma'am' ('usted'), use 'puede'. For example: 'Señor, ¿usted *puede* ayudarme?'
⭐ Usage Tips
More Than Just Ability
'Puedes' isn't just about what you're physically able to do. It's also the go-to word for asking for things politely ('¿Puedes pasarme el agua?') and giving permission ('Puedes usar mi teléfono').
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: puedes
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence is the most natural way to ask a friend for a small favor?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between 'puedes' and 'sabes'? They both seem to mean 'you can'.
Great question! Use 'puedes' for general ability or permission ('Puedes correr' - You can run). Use 'sabes' for knowing *how* to do a learned skill ('Sabes nadar' - You know how to swim). You wouldn't say 'sabes correr' because running isn't usually a skill you learn in the same way.