maaari
/maʔaˈʔaɾiʔ/
In Tagalog, the phrase for 'can' is maaari.
The word maaari is used to express the ability to do something or to express permission, similar to 'can' or 'may' in English.
Meaning: to be able to, to know how to (verb)
Which one should you use?
While maaari is used for expressing possibility or permission, the word pwede is the common, informal equivalent used in daily conversation to mean 'can' or 'possible'.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
maaari is a formal way to express ability or permission. In contrast, pwede is an informal, shortened version of puwede used in casual conversations.
How do you pronounce it?
/maʔaˈʔaɾiʔ/
Did you know?
- If you want to say you 'know how' to do a skill, such as swimming, you would use marunong instead of maaari or pwede.
- The informal word pwede is not originally Tagalog but is borrowed from the Spanish word puede, meaning 'can' or 'is possible'.
- The word maaari is built from the root ari, which relates to the concept of 'ownership' or 'property'.
Examples in context
- Maaari kong ikabit ito.I can attach it.This sentence shows how to use maaari to express the ability to attach something.Tatoeba #11468498 by qwertzu, translation #10966585 by shekitten
- Maaari ko bang isukat ito?Can I try it on?This sentence uses maaari to ask for permission to try something on.Tatoeba #8679478 by England, translation #3327445 by CK
- Ano ang maaari kong gawin?What can I do?This sentence uses maaari to ask about what is possible to do.Tatoeba #10625604 by dyuuuuuuuuls, translation #408069 by Dorenda
- Puwede ba akong pumasok?Can I come in?
- Puwede ko bang kunin ang larawan?Can I take a picture?
- Maaari bang makausap si Ginoong Santos?May I speak with Mr. Santos?
- Maaari po bang malaman kung saan ito?Can I know where this is, please?
- Pwede sumama?Can I come along?
- Pwede mo bang tulungan ako?Can you help me?
- Pwede ba akong sumali?Can I join?
- Pwede ba kitang tanungin?Can I ask you something?
- 79 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Maria and Juan are discussing a project at home.
- MariaMaaari mo ba itong tapusin ngayon?Can you finish this today?
- JuanOo, maaari ko itong gawin.Yes, I can do it.
- MariaSalamat, Juan.Thank you, Juan.
- JuanWalang anuman, Maria.You're welcome, Maria.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry maaari, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries maaari, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
