vs
QUICK ANSWER
"Be able to" is a transitive verb phrase which is often translated as "poder", and "be allowed to" is a transitive verb phrase which is often translated as "permitir". Learn more about the difference between "be able to" and "be allowed to" below.
be able to(
bi
ey
-
buhl
tu
)A transitive verb phrase is a phrase that combines a verb with a preposition or other particle and requires a direct object (e.g., take out the trash.).
a. poder
I am able to meet next Monday at nine in the morning. Is that convenient?Puedo reunirme el lunes que viene a las nueve de la mañana. ¿Le es conveniente?
b. ser capaz de
He was not able to walk after the accident.No era capaz de caminar después del accidente.
be allowed to(
bi
uh
-
laud
tu
)
