poder
to be able to, can
Beginner Verb
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Pronunciation
/poˈðeɾ/
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Cultural Note
Poder is a stem-changing verb (o→ue) in the present tense. In the preterite, 'pude' implies that you managed to do something (succeeded), while the imperfect 'podía' simply describes an ongoing ability. '¿Se puede?' is a polite way to ask permission when entering a room.
📝 Example Sentences
¿Puedes ayudarme?
Can you help me?
No puedo dormir.
I can't sleep.
Pudimos terminar a tiempo.
We were able to finish on time.