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"Be able to" is a transitive verb phrase which is often translated as "poder", and "could you" is a phrase which is often translated as "podrías". Learn more about the difference between "be able to" and "could you" 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.
could you(
kood
yu
)A phrase is a group of words commonly used together (e.g., once upon a time).
a. podrías (informal) (singular)
A word or phrase used to refer to the second person informal “tú” by their conjugation or implied context (e.g., How are you?).
Could you please call me when you get home?¿Me podrías llamar cuando llegues a casa?
b. podías (informal) (singular)
A word or phrase used to refer to the second person informal “tú” by their conjugation or implied context (e.g., How are you?).
Could you read when you were in kindergarten?¿Tú podías leer cuando ibas en kínder?
c. pudiste (informal) (singular)
A word or phrase used to refer to the second person informal “tú” by their conjugation or implied context (e.g., How are you?).
Could you have left your purse at the party?¿Pudiste haber dejado tu bolsa en la fiesta?
d. podría (formal) (singular)
A word or phrase used to refer to the second person formal “usted” by their conjugation or implied context (e.g., usted).
Could you please remind me who our guests will be today?¿Me podría recordar quiénes serán nuestros invitados hoy?
e. podía (formal) (singular)
A word or phrase used to refer to the second person formal “usted” by their conjugation or implied context (e.g., usted).
Could you already speak French when you were in undergraduate school?¿Ya podía hablar francés cuando estaba en la universidad?
f. pudo (formal) (singular)
A word or phrase used to refer to the second person formal “usted” by their conjugation or implied context (e.g., usted).
Could you see the singer last night, or were you too far from the stage?¿Pudo ver al cantante anoche, o estaba demasiado lejos del escenario?
