podemos
/podemos/from spelling rules
In Spanish, "can we" is translated as podemos.
podemos is used to ask whether something is possible (ability) or whether it is allowed (permission).
Which one should you use?
You can use ¿Podríamos? to say "could we?" or ¿Sería posible? to say "would it be possible?"
How does it change in a sentence?
The form podemos is the first-person plural present indicative of the verb poder.
How do you pronounce it?
/podemos/
Did you know?
- The word poder can also be used as a noun to mean 'power' or 'the government'. This means the same root used in podemos to ask for permission is also used to describe the highest authorities in a state.
- The verb poder is the root of the English word 'potency'. While podemos asks if we 'can', it shares a deep linguistic history with the concept of having the power or strength to act.
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, asking podemos for permission is often replaced by a direct statement of intent. For example, instead of asking 'can we go', a speaker might say nos vamos, which literally means 'we are leaving'.
Examples in context
- ¿Podemos apagar la TV?Can we turn the TV off?This example shows how to use podemos to ask for permission regarding the TV.Tatoeba #3564893 by ficion, translation #3327782 by CK
- ¿Podemos volver a casa?Can we go back home?This example uses podemos to ask about the possibility of returning home.Tatoeba #7304346 by UsuarioX, translation #4788140 by mcelaj
- ¿Podemos confiar en Tom?Can we trust Tom?This example uses podemos to ask about the ability to trust someone.Tatoeba #1917734 by Shishir, translation #1886261 by CK
- Sí, ¿podríamos reunirnos a las 10 de la mañana?Yes, could we meet at 10 in the morning?
- Sí, por supuesto. Podemos coordinarla para el próximo jueves.Yes, of course. We can coordinate it for next Thursday.
- ¿Nos podemos encontrar en el parque a las 5 de la tarde?Can we meet in the park at 5 in the afternoon?
- ¿Te parece bien si vamos al cine esta noche?Does it seem okay to you if we go to the movies tonight?
- 132 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Elena and Mateo are planning their afternoon at the beach.
- Elena¿Podemos ir a la playa esta tarde?Can we go to the beach this afternoon?
- MateoSí, Elena, es una excelente idea.Yes, Elena, it is an excellent idea.
- Elena¡Qué bien! ¿Podemos llevar la sombrilla?Great! Can we bring the umbrella?
- MateoClaro, yo la busco en el coche.Of course, I will look for it in the car.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
