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How to Say "they can" in Spanish

English → Spanish

pueden

/pweh-den//ˈpwe.ðen/

VerbA1General
Use 'pueden' when describing an inherent ability or current capability, similar to 'they are able to'.
A group of vibrant birds soaring high above green trees, illustrating the concept of ability.

Examples

Los gatos pueden ver en la oscuridad.

Cats can see in the dark.

Los pájaros pueden volar.

Birds can fly.

¿Ustedes pueden hablar más despacio, por favor?

Can you all speak more slowly, please?

Mis amigos pueden correr muy rápido.

My friends can run very fast.

Who is 'pueden' for?

'Pueden' is the form you use for 'they' (ellos/ellas) and the plural, more formal 'you' (ustedes). It's for talking about what a group of other people can do.

The 'o' to 'ue' Change

The basic form is 'poder'. Notice how the 'o' changes to 'ue' in 'pueden'. This is a very common pattern in Spanish verbs, often called a 'stem-change'.

Forgetting the Stem Change

Mistake: “A common mistake is to say 'poden' instead of 'pueden'.”

Correction: Always remember that the 'o' in 'poder' changes to 'ue' for this form. Think: 'o' becomes 'ue' -> pOder -> pUEden.

podrán

VerbA2General
Use 'podrán' to talk about a future ability, possibility, or permission, equivalent to 'they will be able to'.

Examples

Si estudian mucho, ellos podrán aprobar el examen.

If they study a lot, they will be able to pass the exam.

Present vs. Future Ability

The most common mistake is using 'pueden' (present ability) when you actually mean a future capability. Remember: 'pueden' is for what they *can do now*, while 'podrán' is for what they *will be able to do later*.

Related Translations

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