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"Están" is a form of "estar", a copular verb which is often translated as "to be". "Puedan" is a form of "poder", an auxiliary verb which is often translated as "to be able to". Learn more about the difference between "están" and "puedan" below.
estar(
ehs
-
tahr
)A copular verb links the subject of a clause to the predicate (e.g., My brother is tall).
a. to be
Estoy enojada porque me acaban de dar una multa de estacionamiento.I am angry because I just got a parking ticket.
An intransitive verb is one that does not require a direct object (e.g., The man sneezed.).
a. to be on (vacation, trip, call)
Estaremos de vacaciones en Europa el verano entero.We're going to be on vacation in Europe all summer long.
c. to be working as
Está de recepcionista hasta que consiga un mejor trabajo.He's working as a receptionist until he finds something better.
6. (to feel)
7. (to appear)
8. (to visit)
9. (to be done)
10. (to exist)
a. to be
Luego está el trabajo que queda por hacer.Then there is the work that still needs to be done.
a. to be in the mood for
No estoy para tus estupideces a estas horas.I am not in the mood for your nonsense at this time of night.
13. (to fit)
a. no direct translation
This refers to an idiomatic word or phrase for which there is no word-for-word translation.
No quiero que camines sola por la noche, ¿está?I don't want you walking alone at night, understood?
Nos encontraremos a las siete para ir al cine, ¿estamos?We'll meet at seven to go to the movie, all right?
a. to be in favor of
Los estudiantes están por un aumento en ayuda financiera de parte de la universidad.The students are in favor of the university providing more financial aid.
a. to agree with
Estoy con Ana Sofía; no quiero escuchar más peleas entre ustedes.I agree with Ana Sofía. I don't want to hear anymore fighting between the two of you.
a. to be
¡El termómetro dice que está a 25 grados Fahrenheit pero que se siente como 6!The thermometer says it's 25 degrees Fahrenheit out but that it feels like 6!
a. to be
Mientras el hemisferio norte está en invierno, el hemisferio sur está en verano.It is winter in the Northern Hemisphere when it's summer in the Southern Hemisphere.
a. to be
El banco está a tres cuadras de la plaza central.The bank is three blocks from the town square.
a. to remain to be
Está por verse si lloverá en la tarde.It remains to be seen whether it will rain this afternoon.
a. to be going to
Las nubes en la distancia indican que estará por llover esta noche.The clouds in the distance indicate that it is going to rain tonight.
a. no direct translation
This refers to an idiomatic word or phrase for which there is no word-for-word translation.
Tengo tres libros que están sin terminar.I have three books that I still have to finish reading.
Estoy sin comer desde temprano esta mañana.I haven't eaten anything since early this morning.
An auxiliary verb, or helper verb, is a conjugated verb that comes before a main verb and determines the main verb's tense, mood, or aspect (e.g., I have gone.).
a. to be
El cuarto está organizado, ¡así que no hagas desorden!The room is organized. Don't make a mess!
estarse
A reflexive verb is a verb that indicates that the subject performs an action on itself (e.g., Miguel se lava.).
26. (to remain)
c. to keep
Diles a los niños que se estén callados un rato, que quiero escuchar las noticias.Tell the kids to keep quiet a minute; I want to listen to the news.
d. no direct translation
This refers to an idiomatic word or phrase for which there is no word-for-word translation.
Estate tranquilo; yo lo soluciono.Don't worry; I'll sort it out.
Estate atento porque solo llaman el número una vez.Pay attention because they only call out the number once.
poder, el poder(
poh
-
dehr
)An auxiliary verb, or helper verb, is a conjugated verb that comes before a main verb and determines the main verb's tense, mood, or aspect (e.g., I have gone.).
a. can
¿Me puedes pasar ese lápiz?Can you pass me that pencil?
¿Podría ver un menú, por favor?Could I see a menu, please?
c. to be allowed to
¿Podemos traer alcohol al concierto?Are we allowed to bring alcohol to the concert?
a. can
No sé si comer una sopa o un sándwich. - Podrías pedir el combo que trae mitad de un sándwich y una sopa.I don't know if I should have soup or a sandwich. - You could get the half-sandwich and soup combo.
b. may
Podrías llamar de nuevo al hotel a ver si tienen tu bufanda.You may want to call the hotel again to see if they found your scarf.
An intransitive verb is one that does not require a direct object (e.g., The man sneezed.).
b. to put up with
No puedo más contigo. Me estás volviendo loca.I can't put up with you any longer. You're driving me crazy.
An impersonal verb is a verb with no apparent subject (e.g., Llueve en España.).
A masculine noun is used with masculine articles and adjectives (e.g., el hombre guapo, el sol amarillo).
11. (ability)
12. (control)
13. (political)
a. power
El poder del presidente incluye vetar cualquier legislación pasada por el Congreso.Among the president's powers is the ability to veto any legislation passed by Congress.
a. possession
Tengo en mi poder un certificado que prueba la autenticidad de la pintura.I have in my possession a letter that proves the painting's authenticity.
15. (mechanical)
A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
16. (colloquial) (to defeat)
A word or phrase that is commonly used in conversational speech (e.g., skinny, grandma).
b. to be stronger than
El forzudo retó a cualquiera a ver si le pueden.The strongman challenged anyone to prove they're stronger than him.
los poderes
A plural noun indicates that there is more than one person, place, thing, or idea.
a. powers
A Daniel le confirieron los poderes para gestionar la empresa tras la muerte de su padre.After the death of his father, all the business' powers were passed to Daniel.
b. authority
El comité no tiene los poderes para confirmar el nombramiento.The committee doesn't have the authority to confirm the appointment.
