Language
Spanish
Level
A0
Unit
Palabras auxiliares y verbos principales
Practice types
0
What this grammar point covers 'Poder' is a verb used to talk about ability or permission.
When to use it Use 'poder' to say what someone can do or to ask for permission.
Key forms
(yo) puedo + infinitive (tú) puedes + infinitive (él/ella) puede + infinitive no puedo + infinitive ¿puedes + infinitive?
Examples
Puedo nadar.
English: I can swim.
Ella no puede conducir todavía.
English: She can't drive yet.
¿Puedes ayudarme?
English: Can you help me?
¿Puedo abrir la ventana?
English: Can I open the window?
Tips
The verb after 'poder' is always in the infinitive form (nadar, abrir, etc.). 'Poder' changes form depending on the subject (puedo, puedes, puede).
Verify this grammar point in Spanish reference sources
Cross-check the rule and examples in established native references. Each link opens in a new tab.
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Updated 2026-05-09