podría
/podɾia/from spelling rules
In Spanish, "could" is translated as podría.
The word podría is used to express a possibility or to make a polite request. It is a conjugated form of the infinitive verb poder, which typically means "can" or "may" but also conveys the meaning of "could" in the past tense. In formal contexts, one might also use the phrase Tener la posibilidad de to mean "to have the possibility of."
Which one should you use?
While podría expresses possibility or is used for polite requests, the present tense form puede is used when expressing more certain or direct abilities and possibilities.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Using podría instead of the present tense puede makes a request sound more polite and less demanding in Spanish.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form podría is the conditional tense of the verb poder (to be able to). You must conjugate the verb to match the subject of the sentence, using forms such as podrías, podría, podríamos, podríais or podrían.
How do you pronounce it?
/podɾia/
Did you know?
- The root verb poder is a cognate of the English word 'potent' and the word 'potential', both of which describe the inherent capacity or power to do something.
- While podría is used for polite requests, in some Spanish-speaking cultures, using it too often in casual settings can sound overly distant or unnaturally formal, almost as if you are talking to a stranger.
- In legal Spanish, the noun form poder refers to a 'power of attorney', a legal document that grants one person the authority to act for another.
Examples in context
- Yo te podría matar.I could kill you.This sentence uses podría to express a potential action.Tatoeba #4489804 by cueyayotl, translation #3729080 by CM
- Eso podría salir mal.This could go badly.This sentence uses podría to describe a possible outcome.Tatoeba #2311935 by marcelostockle, translation #8566172 by guavalava
- ¿Podría ser un virus?Could it be a virus?This sentence uses podría to express a possibility in a question.Tatoeba #3126131 by marcelostockle, translation #2647720 by CK
- ¿Podría usted ayudarme?Could you help me?
- Tengo la posibilidad de asistir a la reuniónI could attend the meeting.
- Podría ser que llegue tarde, pero no estoy seguroI could be late, but I'm not sure.
- Quizás pueda ayudarte mañanaI could help you tomorrow.
- 919 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Alejandro is asking María for help in the office.
- Alejandro¿Podría ayudarme con este informe, María?Could you help me with this report, María?
- MaríaSí, claro. ¿Qué necesitas exactamente?Yes, of course. What exactly do you need?
- AlejandroPodría ser solo una revisión rápida.It could be just a quick review.
- MaríaEstá bien, tráelo a mi escritorio.That's fine, bring it to my desk.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
