puedes
/pwedes/from spelling rules
The English phrase "you can" is translated into Spanish as puedes.
This phrase is used to express that someone has the ability or the permission to perform an action.
Which one should you use?
While puedes is the standard form for a single person in an informal setting, you should use puede when addressing a single person formally. If you are addressing a group of people, you use pueden to say "you all can".
How does it change in a sentence?
To address a single person formally using "usted", use the form puede. To address a plural "you" (you all), use the form pueden.
How do you pronounce it?
/pwedes/
Did you know?
- The word puedes comes from the verb poder, which also serves as the root for the English word 'potency' and 'potent' via their shared Latin ancestor.
- While puedes expresses ability, Spanish speakers often use the phrase se puede as a polite way to ask for permission to enter a room or office, similar to saying 'May I?' in English.
- In many Spanish-speaking regions, especially in parts of the Caribbean, you might hear people use 'tú puedes' as a common way to shout encouragement to a friend, similar to how English speakers say 'you can do it!' during a race.
Examples in context
- Puedes irte a casa.You can go home.This sentence is useful for demonstrating the ability to leave.Tatoeba #1286264 by marcelostockle, translation #1230452 by alec
- Puedes tener el mío.You can have mine.This sentence shows permission regarding possession.Tatoeba #1125818 by cueyayotl, translation #1125436 by Scott
- Puedes usar mi auto.You can use my car.This sentence shows permission regarding usage.Tatoeba #3562605 by ficion, translation #3331095 by CK
- Usted puede lograrlo.You can achieve it.
- Se le permite utilizar este recurso.You are allowed to use this resource.
- Puedes hacerlo si te esfuerzas.You can do it if you make an effort.
- Eres capaz de superar cualquier reto.You are capable of overcoming any challenge.
- puedes hacerlo fácilmenteYou can do it easily
- 646 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Javier and Elena are in the kitchen.
- Javier¿Puedes ayudarme con la cena, Elena?Can you help me with dinner, Elena?
- ElenaSí, claro. ¿Qué tengo que hacer?Yes, of course. What do I have to do?
- JavierPuedes picar las cebollas, por favor.You can chop the onions, please.
- ElenaEstá bien, lo haré ahora mismo.All right, I'll do it right now.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
