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what does puedo + inf mean?

what does puedo + inf mean?

2
votes

What does "¿Puedo + inf.." mean?

and "que +inf" ?

4778 views
updated Jul 21, 2011
posted by chunmatkd

3 Answers

1
vote

"NO + ella + puede + hablar + español = She cannot speak Spanish."

That should be "Ella + NO + puede + ...".

But using "poder" there implies that she physically cannot speak Spanish, like she has no vocal chords or something.

I'd say, "Ella no sabe hablar español." = She doesn't know how to speak Spanish.

updated Jul 21, 2011
posted by Azabache
good point :) - Kiwi-Girl, Jul 21, 2011
1
vote

This is what I would say:

Puedo + infinitive = I can (verb)

Puedo + bailar + bien = I can dance well.

Puedo correr + rápidamente = I can run quickly.

It doesn't necessarily have to be the yo form, though. Any form of "poder" will do smile

¡Puedes cantar bien! You can sing well!

You could even add "no" in to make the point that one cannot do something...

Ella + no + puede + hablar + español = She cannot speak Spanish.

Ayer no pudieron nadar en la piscina. Yesterday, they could not swim in the pool.


As for "que + infinitive", you will often see that when telling of something you have to do.

Tengo que lavar la ropa hoy. I have to wash the clothes today.

Tenemos que limpiar el baño. We have to clean the bathroom.

Hay que traer tus libros. It is necessary to bring your books.

I found this website which may be of some assistance to you! alt text

updated Jul 21, 2011
edited by SonrisaDelSol
posted by SonrisaDelSol
No puedo hablar español. :) - 0066c384, Jul 21, 2011
Great example! - SonrisaDelSol, Jul 21, 2011
0
votes

wouldnt it be "ella no puede" or just "no puede" in the negative form....

'No ella puede'

to me sounds like "No, she CAN......" as in the answer to a question like "I thought she couldnt speak spanish?"

updated Jul 21, 2011
edited by toothpastechica
posted by toothpastechica
You're right. - Azabache, Jul 21, 2011