puedo
/pwedo/from spelling rules
The Spanish phrase for "I can" is puedo.
puedo is used to express that the speaker has the ability or permission to do something. To specify exactly what you can do, use puedo followed by another verb in its infinitive (unconjugated) form.
How does it change in a sentence?
In Spanish, the subject pronoun yo (I) is often omitted when using puedo because the verb ending -o already indicates the first-person singular.
How do you pronounce it?
/pwedo/
Did you know?
- While puedo means 'I can', if you say no puedo in a social context, it is often used as a polite 'soft no' to decline an invitation without sounding overly blunt.
- The word puedo is closely related to the English word 'potent', as both derive from a Latin root meaning 'power' or 'capability'.
- In some Spanish-speaking regions, the phrase puedo can be part of an idiom to express that one is 'at the mercy of' something. For example, saying one 'puede con' something suggests they are managing to cope with a difficult situation.
Examples in context
- Puedo ver a Tom.I can see Tom.This sentence is useful for practicing the use of puedo to express sight.Tatoeba #2409307 by Shishir, translation #2301319 by CK
- Puedo ver la luz.I can see the light.This sentence shows how to use puedo to describe seeing light.Tatoeba #977537 by Shishir, translation #323700 by CK
- Yo a ti te puedo.I can lick you.This sentence demonstrates a different use of the verb in a specific context.Tatoeba #11848217 by Seael, translation #11848181 by CK
- Puedo realizar la tareaI can do the task
- Soy capaz de resolver el problemaI am capable of solving the problem
- Tengo la capacidad de liderar el equipoI have the ability to lead the team
- Puedo ayudarte con la tareaI can help you with the homework
- Puedo hacerlo con los ojos cerradosI can do it with my eyes closed
- Sé cocinarI know how to cook
- Puedo cantarI can sing
- 744 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Alejandro and María are in the kitchen.
- AlejandroMaría, ¿puedes ayudarme con la cena?María, can you help me with dinner?
- MaríaSí, yo puedo ayudarle ahora mismo.Yes, I can help you right now.
- Alejandro¿Puedes cortar las verduras, por favor?Can you cut the vegetables, please?
- MaríaClaro, puedo hacer eso rápidamente.Of course, I can do that quickly.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
