Spanish grammar: verbos modales: poder, querer, tener que, deber

What this grammar point covers

Modal verbs in Spanish are verbs like 'poder', 'querer', 'tener que', and 'deber' that help express ability, desire, obligation, or necessity. They are usually followed by another verb in its basic (infinitive) form.

When to use it

Use these verbs in Spanish to talk about what you can do, want to do, have to do, or should do. They are common in everyday conversations when making plans, asking for permission, or giving advice.

Key forms

• poder + infinitive (ej: puedo comer)
• querer + infinitive (ej: quiero viajar)
• tener que + infinitive (ej: tengo que estudiar)
• deber + infinitive (ej: debo descansar)

Examples

Tips

• After these verbs, use the infinitive form (the unchanged form) of the next verb. For example: 'puedo comer', not 'puedo como'.
• Remember that 'tener que' is always two words: 'tener' + 'que'.
• The verbs 'poder', 'querer', and 'tener' are irregular, so their forms change in the present tense.

Exceptions and edge cases

• The verbs 'poder', 'querer', and 'tener' have irregular forms in the present tense. For example: 'puedo', 'quiero', 'tengo'.