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"Be allowed to" is a transitive verb phrase which is often translated as "permitir", and "be able to" is a transitive verb phrase which is often translated as "poder". Learn more about the difference between "be allowed to" and "be able to" below.
be allowed to(
bi
uh
-
laud
tu
)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.