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"May" is an auxiliary verb which is often translated as "poder", and "be able to" is a transitive verb phrase which is also often translated as "poder". Learn more about the difference between "may" and "be able to" below.
may(
mey
)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. poder
May I help you, madam?¿Puedo ayudarla, señora?
May I leave the table? - No, you may not.¿Puedo levantarme de la mesa? - No, no puedes.
b. no direct translation
This refers to an idiomatic word or phrase for which there is no word-for-word translation.
I’d like to make a suggestion, if I may.Quisiera hacer una sugerencia, si me permite.
May I see that letter?¿Me enseña la carta?
a. no direct translation
This refers to an idiomatic word or phrase for which there is no word-for-word translation.
She may have decided to go to the movies by herself.A lo mejor decidió ir al cine sola.
We may be able to find a replacement for you so you can take off.Puede que podamos encontrar a alguien que te sustituya para que puedas tener el día libre.
a. no direct translation
This refers to an idiomatic word or phrase for which there is no word-for-word translation.
May you both be very happy!¡Que sean muy felices!
We want to preserve this landscape so that it may be enjoyed by future generations.Queremos conservar este paisaje para que las generaciones venideras lo disfruten.
a. no direct translation
This refers to an idiomatic word or phrase for which there is no word-for-word translation.
I may not be rich, but I’m happy.No seré rica, pero soy feliz.
You may not like the taste of the cough syrup, but you have to take it.Puede que no te guste el sabor del jarabe para la tos, pero hay que tomarlo.
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.
