Inklingo

How to Say "you can" in Spanish

English → Spanish

puedes

/PWEH-dess//ˈpwe.ðes/

VerbA1informal
Use this form when you are talking about someone's general ability or when granting permission in an informal, singular context (addressing 'tú').
A person confidently reaching for a book on a high shelf, demonstrating their ability.

Examples

Tú puedes hablar español muy bien.

You can speak Spanish very well.

¿Puedes ayudarme con esto, por favor?

Can you help me with this, please?

Si terminas tu tarea, puedes jugar videojuegos.

If you finish your homework, you can play video games.

'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'.

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?'

podrás

VerbB1
This is the future tense form, used to indicate what someone will be able to do or will have permission to do in the future.

Examples

Si estudias mucho, mañana podrás entender la lección.

If you study a lot, tomorrow you will be able to understand the lesson.

sabes

/SA-bess//ˈsa.βes/

VerbA2
Use this when asking if someone possesses a specific skill or knowledge, similar to 'Do you know how to...?'
Illustration of a person juggling, representing the ability or skill to do something.

Examples

¿Sabes nadar?

Do you know how to swim?

Sabes hablar español muy bien.

You know how to speak Spanish very well.

Si no sabes qué hacer, pregunta.

If you don't know what to do, ask.

Saber + [Action Verb]

To say you know how to do something, just put 'saber' before the basic form of the action verb (like nadar, cocinar, hablar). No extra words needed!

Don't Add 'Cómo'

Mistake: “En inglés decimos 'know how to', pero en español no se necesita 'cómo' (how). Incorrecto: ¿Sabes cómo conducir? ”

Correction: Correcto: ¿Sabes conducir? The verb 'saber' already includes the idea of 'how to'.

podéis

VerbA1informal
This is the plural, informal form used in Spain to address multiple people you know well (vosotros).

Examples

¿Podéis ayudarme con estas cajas, por favor?

Can you (all) help me with these boxes, please?

Poder vs. Saber for 'Can'

Don't confuse 'poder' (can, to be able to) with 'saber' (to know how to). While both can translate to 'can' in English, 'saber' specifically refers to knowing a skill or fact, like swimming or speaking a language, while 'poder' refers to ability or permission more broadly.

Related Translations

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