podría
/podɾia/from spelling rules
In Spanish, 'might' is expressed by the verb podría.
podría is a verb used as an indicator of conditional or possible actions. In informal conversations, you may also use the phrase A lo mejor to convey the idea of 'might' or 'maybe'.
Meaning: indicator of conditional or possible actions (verb)
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
/podɾia/
Did you know?
- While podría expresses a possibility, the phrase a lo mejor literally translates to 'to the best', though it is used in daily speech to mean 'maybe' or 'might'.
- The root of podría is the verb poder, which shares an ancient root with the English word 'potent' and 'potential'.
- The phrase A lo mejor, which means 'might' or 'maybe', is one of the few common expressions in Spanish that is always followed by the indicative mood rather than the subjunctive.
Examples in context
- Oí que podría nevar.I heard it might snow.This sentence is useful for expressing the possibility of weather events using podría.Tatoeba #3118329 by marcelostockle, translation #2360738 by CK
- Podría ir a prisión.He might go to jail.This sentence is useful for expressing a possible consequence using podría.Tatoeba #13844455 by Seael, translation #8233390 by Amastan
- Podría votar por Tom.I might vote for Tom.This sentence is useful for expressing a possible decision using podría.Tatoeba #3805359 by cueyayotl, translation #2387232 by CK
- Tal vez pueda asistir a la reunión mañana.I might be able to attend the meeting tomorrow.
- Puede que me concedan el ascenso.They might give me the promotion.
- Es posible que llegue tarde a la conferencia.I might arrive late to the conference.
- Tal vez sí vaya a la fiesta esta noche.I might go to the party tonight.
- Puede ser que llegues tarde.You might arrive late.
- A lo mejor te acompaño al cine.I might go with you to the movies.
- A lo mejor sí puedo ayudarte con la tarea.I might be able to help you with the homework.
- 226 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
María and Daniel are planning their weekend.
- MaríaPodría llover mañana, Daniel.It might rain tomorrow, Daniel.
- DanielTienes razón, mejor nos quedamos en casa.You're right, we'd better stay home.
- MaríaO podría ir al cine.Or we might go to the cinema.
- DanielMe parece un plan perfecto.That sounds like a perfect plan to me.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
