puedo nadar
/pwedo nadaɾ/from spelling rules
The English phrase "I can swim" is translated into Spanish as puedo nadar.
Use puedo nadar to state that you possess the ability to swim.
What does it mean word for word?
puedo is the first-person singular present indicative form of the verb poder (to be able to/can), and nadar is the infinitive form meaning "to swim".
How does it change in a sentence?
In the phrase puedo nadar, the subject pronoun yo (I) is optional because the verb form puedo already indicates that the subject is the first-person singular. You can change the subject of the sentence by changing the form of the verb poder: use puedes nadar for "you can swim" (informal), or puede nadar for "he/she/you (formal) can swim".
Did you know?
- While puedo nadar expresses the ability to swim, Spanish speakers often use the verb saber (to know) as in sé nadar to emphasize that they have learned the skill.
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, nadar is used metaphorically in the phrase nadar contracorriente, which means to go against the grain or fight against the majority.
- The verb nadar shares the same ancient roots as the Latin natāre, which is where the English word 'natation' (the act of swimming) originates.
Examples in context
- Puedo nadar en el río.I can swim in the river.This sentence is useful for stating that you can swim in the river with puedo nadar.Tatoeba #1120163 by Shishir, translation #1117795 by sacredceltic
- Yo puedo nadar rápido.I can swim fast.This sentence is useful for saying you can swim fast with puedo nadar.Tatoeba #2099883 by marcelostockle, translation #259245 by CK
- Puedo nadar muy rápido.I can swim very fast.Tatoeba #723585 by Shishir, translation #254910 by CK
- He recibido entrenamiento en natación, por lo que sé nadar perfectamente.I have received swim training, so I know how to swim perfectly.
- ¡No te preocupes! Sé nadar, así que te ayudaré en la piscina.Don't worry! I can swim, so I'll help you in the pool.
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Daniel and Elena are standing by the edge of a swimming pool.
- Daniel¿Quieres que te enseñe?Do you want me to teach you?
- ElenaNo es necesario, yo puedo nadar.It is not necessary, I can swim.
- Daniel¡Qué bueno, Elena!That's great, Elena!
- ElenaSí, sé nadar muy bien.Yes, I can swim very well.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries nadar, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
