if you can

si puedes

si se puede

if you can(

ihf

kahn

)

A phrase is a group of words commonly used together (e.g., once upon a time).

phrase

1. (used to address one person)

a. si puedes

A word or phrase used to refer to the second person informal “tú” by their conjugation or implied context (e.g., How are you?).

(informal)

(singular)

Angel would like to know if you can pick up his son from school today.Ángel quiere saber si puedes recoger a su hijo de la escuela hoy.

b. si puede

A word or phrase used to refer to the second person formal “usted” by their conjugation or implied context (e.g., usted).

(formal)

(singular)

The president of the board wants to know if you can finish the accounting report today.El presidente del consejo quiere saber si puede terminar el informe contable hoy.

c. si sabes

A word or phrase used to refer to the second person informal “tú” by their conjugation or implied context (e.g., How are you?).

(informal)

(singular)

If you can speak a second language, it will open more opportunities in life for you, son.Si sabes hablar un segundo idioma, te abrirá más oportunidades en la vida, hijo.

d. si sabe

A word or phrase used to refer to the second person formal “usted” by their conjugation or implied context (e.g., usted).

(formal)

(singular)

We see you can act, but the director is asking if you can sing, miss.Vemos que sabe actuar, pero la directora le pregunta si sabe cantar, señorita.

2. (used to address multiple people)

a. si pueden (plural)

Students, ff you can see Mars without a telescope, you have pretty good vision.Estudiantes, si pueden ver a Marte sin un telescopio, tienen una visión bastante buena.

b. si saben (plural)

If you can all cook, why don't you take turns making dinner?Si todos saben cocinar, porque no se turnan preparando la cena?

3. (if one can)

a. si se puede

Do you know if you can bake bread in a pressure cooker?¿Sabes si se puede hornear pan en una olla de presión?

Examples