puedo
/PWEH-doh/
I can
This shows someone demonstrating they have the strength or skill to do something. 'Puedo' means 'I can' or 'I am able to.'
📝 In Action
Puedo hablar español un poco.
A1I can speak a little Spanish.
No puedo levantar eso, es muy pesado.
A1I can't lift that, it's too heavy.
Puedo correr cinco kilómetros sin problema.
A2I can run five kilometers without a problem.
💡 Grammar Points
Verb + Verb Structure
When 'puedo' is followed by another action, the second verb stays in its original '-ar', '-er', or '-ir' form. For example, 'Puedo nadar' (I can swim), not 'Puedo nado'.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Forgetting the 'o' to 'ue' Change
Mistake: "Using 'podo' instead of 'puedo'."
Correction: The verb 'poder' changes its middle vowel from 'o' to 'ue' for 'yo'. Remember the pattern: pOder -> pUEdo.
⭐ Usage Tips
Expressing Confidence
Saying '¡Sí, puedo!' (Yes, I can!) is a great way to show you are confident and capable of doing a task.
Here, someone is asking if it's okay to do something. '¿Puedo?' is the most common way to ask for permission, like saying 'May I?' or 'Can I?'
puedo(Verb)
May I?
?asking permission
Can I?
?asking permission (informal)
📝 In Action
¿Puedo ir al baño, por favor?
A1May I go to the bathroom, please?
¿Puedo hacerte una pregunta?
A1Can I ask you a question?
Si termino mi trabajo, ¿puedo salir temprano?
A2If I finish my work, can I leave early?
💡 Grammar Points
'Can' vs. 'May'
In English, 'can' is for ability and 'may' is for permission. In Spanish, 'poder' (like 'puedo') is used for both. The situation tells you the meaning.
⭐ Usage Tips
Being Polite
Using 'puedo' in a question is the standard, polite way to ask for permission in almost any situation, from casual to formal.
This shows someone offering help. '¿Puedo ayudarte?' ('Can I help you?') uses 'puedo' to suggest a possibility or make an offer.
puedo(Verb)
Can I...?
?offering help/suggesting
Is it possible for me to...?
?inquiring about possibility
📝 In Action
¿Puedo ayudarte con las bolsas?
A2Can I help you with the bags?
Puedo llevarte al aeropuerto si quieres.
B1I can take you to the airport if you want.
¿En qué puedo servirle?
A2How can I help you? (formal)
💡 Grammar Points
Offering vs. Asking
Notice how the tone changes the meaning. '¿Puedo ir?' is asking for permission. '¿Puedo ayudar?' is offering help. The context is key!
⭐ Usage Tips
The Go-To for Offering Help
Starting a sentence with '¿Puedo...?' is a very natural and friendly way to offer assistance to someone in Spanish.
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: puedo
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence uses 'puedo' to mean asking for permission?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between 'puedo' and 'sé'?
'Puedo' is about ability or permission ('I can'), while 'sé' (from the verb 'saber') is about knowing facts or skills ('I know'). For example, 'Puedo levantar esto' (I can lift this) vs. 'Sé nadar' (I know how to swim).
Is 'puedo' ever used for 'you'?
No, 'puedo' always means 'I can'. For 'you can', you would use 'puedes' (for a friend, 'tú') or 'puede' (more formally, 'usted').