Using poder in El Condicional Simple in Spanish
In Spanish, the modal verb poder is generally used in El Condicional Simple in these two contexts:
- telling someone what they could do in the future in the form of advice.
- asking someone politely to do something.
For example:
More examples:
-Creo que he sido un poco antipático con Luisa. -Pues podrías llamarla y disculparte.-I think I was a bit rude to Luisa. -Well, you could call her and apologise.
¿Podrías coger mi maleta de ahí arriba por favor? Yo no llego.Could you get my suitcase from up there please? I can't reach.
See also Conjugate poder in the conditional tense in Spanish (El Condicional Simple)
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Examples and resources
-No sé qué hacer para convencerte. -Podrías invitarme a cenar al Ritz.-I don't know what to do to persuade you. -You could take me to the Ritz for dinner.
Podrías hablar con la jefa y explicarle la situación.You could talk to the boss and explain the situation to her. [suggestion/advice]
¿Podríais hablar más bajo por favor? No puedo concentrarme.Could you lower your voice please? I can't concentrate. [polite request]
