Spanish · A1 · Everyday language
Can, must, want in Spanish
Modal verbs like 'can', 'must', and 'want' are essential for daily communication with children. In Spanish, these verbs are followed directly by the infinitive form of the action verb (the 'to' form).
What you'll learn
- Ask for help using 'poder'
- Express obligations using 'deber'
- State desires using 'querer'
- Give or deny permission using 'poder'
Spanish phrases for can, must, want
¿Me puedes ayudar?
Can you help me?
'Poder' means 'to be able to' or 'can'.
Debes llevar un gorro.
You must wear a hat.
'Debes' expresses a strong suggestion or obligation.
Quiero jugar.
I want to play.
'Querer' is used for desires.
¿Puedo tomar una galleta?
May I have a biscuit?
Use 'poder' for asking permission.
Debemos irnos ahora.
We must go now.
'Irnos' means 'to leave/go away'.
¡Tú puedes!
You can do it!
A common phrase for encouragement.
¿Quieres venir?
Do you want to come?
The 'do' from the English question is implied by the verb ending.
No puedes pegar.
You may not hit.
Put 'no' before the modal verb to forbid an action.
Hear these phrases and practise them
Tildi plays every phrase out loud, tests you in five-minute lessons and builds them into bedtime stories from your own picture books.
Try it free for 7 daysKey words
llevar
to wear / to carry
Commonly used for clothing items.
galleta
biscuit / cookie
A favorite word for toddlers!
pegar
to hit
Used when teaching boundaries.
Conjugating Modal Verbs (Present Tense)
These verbs are irregular in the present tense. Note how the stem changes (e -> ie, o -> ue).
| Use | Form | Example |
|---|---|---|
| I (Yo) | Puedo / Debo / Quiero | Yo quiero agua. |
| You (Tú) | Puedes / Debes / Quieres | ¿Puedes cantar? |
| We (Nosotros) | Podemos / Debemos / Queremos | Queremos dormir. |
The Modal + Infinitive Rule
When using these verbs, only conjugate the first verb. The second verb stays in its original 'infinitive' form (ending in -ar, -er, or -ir).
| Use | Form | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Structure | [Conjugated Verb] + [Infinitive] | Puedes (can) + saltar (jump). |
More examples
No quiero comer brócoli.
I don't want to eat broccoli.
Negatives go before the first verb.
Él quiere un juguete.
He wants a toy.
Querer can be followed by a noun or a verb.
Debes escuchar a mamá.
You must listen to Mom.
A polite way to set rules.