Using poder to say could [do something] for polite requests and suggestions in Spanish (El Condicional Simple)

Written by qualified Spanish expert Inma Sánchez BA
Last updated: 2024-10-18
9 questions

 

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:

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]

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.

-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.

Señor, ¿podría usted mover su silla hacia un lado?Sir, could you move your chair to the side?

Poder in El Condicional Simple + Infinitivo 

See also Conjugate poder in the conditional tense in Spanish (El Condicional Simple)

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Examples and resources

¿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.
-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.
Señor, ¿podría usted mover su silla hacia un lado?Sir, could you move your chair to the side?
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]
-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.
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