podrías
/podɾias/from spelling rules
The Spanish phrase for "you might" is podrías.
The phrase is used to express possibility.
How does it change in a sentence?
podrías is the conditional tense of the verb poder (to be able to), used here to express possibility.
How do you pronounce it?
/podɾias/
Did you know?
- The root verb poder is a cognate of the English word 'potent', both deriving from the Latin 'potere', which means 'to be able'.
- In certain Spanish-speaking regions, using podrías to ask a favor can sound overly dramatic or even condescending if the context is too casual.
- Even though podrías implies 'you might', it can also be used to express a polite request, functioning more like 'would you mind' in English.
Examples in context
- Podrías tener un accidente.You might have an accident.This example shows the use of podrías to express the possibility of having an accident.Tatoeba #6685034 by UsuarioX, translation #263744 by CK
- Tú podrías recibir un disparo.You might get shot.This example shows the use of podrías to express the possibility of getting shot.Tatoeba #5997532 by albrusgher, translation #4498888 by CK
- Tú podrías resultar lastimado.You might get injured.This example shows the use of podrías to express the possibility of getting injured.Tatoeba #5997534 by albrusgher, translation #5776572 by CK
- Puede que ustedes lleguen tarde a la reunión.You might arrive late to the meeting.
- Es posible que el vuelo se retrase.The flight might be delayed.
- Es posible que ustedes se retrasen en el tráfico.You might get delayed in traffic.
- Quizás llegues tarde a la fiesta.You might arrive late to the party.
- A lo mejor no tengo tiempo para ayudarte.I might not have time to help you.
- 30 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Alejandro and Lucía are discussing a plan for the weekend.
- AlejandroPodrías venir a mi casa el sábado.You might come to my house on Saturday.
- LucíaMe gustaría, pero no estoy segura.I would like to, but I'm not sure.
- AlejandroPodrías preguntar a tu jefe primero.You might ask your boss first.
- LucíaTienes razón, lo haré mañana.You're right, I'll do it tomorrow.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
