ojalá pudiera
/oxala pudjeɾa/from spelling rules
The English phrase "I wish I could" is translated into Spanish as ojalá pudiera.
Ojalá pudiera is used to express a desire for something that is currently impossible or unlikely. If you wish to express a much stronger desire or a deep yearning for something you cannot accomplish, you might use the more formal Desearía poder.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase begins with ojalá, an interjection meaning "hopefully" or "if only" that is derived from the Arabic phrase 'law šá lláh', meaning "if God wills".
Which one should you use?
While ojalá pudiera expresses an unlikely or impossible wish, changing the verb to the present subjunctive ojalá pueda changes the meaning to "I hope I can", which implies a more realistic hope.
How does it change in a sentence?
In the phrase ojalá pudiera, the verb pudiera is in the imperfect subjunctive mood. This specific mood is required after ojalá when you are expressing a wish that is unlikely or impossible.
Examples in context
- Ojalá pudiera ir a Japón.I wish I could go to Japan.This sentence shows how to use ojalá pudiera to express a wish about traveling.Tatoeba #456991 by Shishir, translation #1393 by CK
- Ojalá pudiera estar contigo.I wish I could be with you.This sentence shows how to use ojalá pudiera to express a wish about being with someone.Tatoeba #10356308 by Seael, translation #10356301 by Amastan
- Ojalá pudiera hablar con él.I wish I could talk to him.This sentence shows how to use ojalá pudiera to express a wish about talking to someone.Tatoeba #12798632 by stebnbr, translation #3906695 by CH
- Ojalá pudiera asistir a la reunión, pero tengo otro compromiso.I wish I could attend the meeting, but I have another commitment.
- Me gustaría poder colaborar en este proyecto, pero no tengo suficiente tiempo.I wish I could contribute to this project, but I don't have enough time.
- Desearía poder ayudar más, pero estoy limitado por las circunstancias.I wish I could help more, but I am limited by circumstances.
- Ojalá pudiera acompañarte al concierto, pero tengo que trabajar.I wish I could accompany you to the concert, but I have to work.
- Me gustaría poder ir de vacaciones contigo, pero no tengo suficiente dinero.I wish I could go on vacation with you, but I don't have enough money.
- Quisiera poder conseguir entradas para el partido, pero están agotadas.I wish I could get tickets for the game, but they are sold out.
- Quisiera poderle ayudar másI wish I could help you more
- 30 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Mateo and Sofía are talking about a concert they cannot attend.
- MateoOjalá pudiera ir al concierto contigo.I wish I could go to the concert with you.
- SofíaEs una lástima, pero tienes que trabajar.It is a pity, but you have to work.
- MateoSí, ojalá pudiera tener el día libre.Yes, I wish I could have the day off.
- SofíaNo te preocupes, iremos en otra ocasión.Don't worry, we will go another time.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
