poder
/poˈdeɾ/
In Spanish, 'can' is expressed using either poder or saber depending on the context.
Meaning: to be able to, to know how to (verb)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA |
|---|---|
| poder | /poˈdeɾ/ |
| saber | /saˈbeɾ/ |
The English word 'can' translates to two different Spanish verbs based on whether you are discussing ability, permission or learned knowledge.
Which one should you use?
Use poder when 'can' refers to physical ability, permission or a situational possibility. Use saber when 'can' refers to a learned skill or knowledge, such as 'knowing how to' do something like playing an instrument or speaking a language.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The first-person singular present indicative of poder is puedo (I can). The second-person singular informal present indicative of saber is sabes (you know how to).
How do you pronounce it?
/poˈdeɾ/
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly use poder to mean 'knowing how to' a skill. You should use saber for learned abilities.
Did you know?
- The Spanish verb saber shares an ancient root with the English words 'savor' and 'savvy', originally relating to the concept of 'tasting' or 'having a taste' for something.
- In some contexts, no puedo is used as a socially acceptable way to decline an invitation without saying 'I don't want to'.
- Spanish has a completely different verb conocer for 'knowing' people or places, which cannot be used interchangeably with saber.
Examples in context
- Nadie más puede saber.Nobody else can know.This sentence shows how saber is used in the context of knowing information.Tatoeba #2783570 by marcelostockle, translation #2670845 by meerkat
- ¿Puedo saber por qué no?Can I ask why not?This sentence shows how saber can be used to express asking for information.Tatoeba #5549927 by marcelostockle, translation #3327454 by CK
- Nadie puede saberlo todo.Nobody can know everything.This sentence demonstrates the use of saber regarding the possibility of knowing something.Tatoeba #1182846 by Shishir, translation #664021 by bluepie88
- 79 more sentences on Tatoeba
Sources
- Wiktionary, “can” translations and entries poder, saber, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries poder, saber, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
