Spanish · A1 · Everyday language
Little Daily Choices in Spanish
This guide focuses on using modal verbs to offer choices and explain daily actions gently. In Spanish, modal verbs like 'poder' (can/may), 'deber' (must), and 'querer' (want) are followed directly by an infinitive verb to describe an action.
What you'll learn
- Express permission and ability using 'poder'
- Communicate needs and obligations using 'deber'
- Identify and ask about desires using 'querer'
Spanish phrases for little daily choices
Puedes agarrar mi dedo.
You can hold my finger.
'Puedes' is the 'you' form of 'poder' (to be able to).
Puedes gatear aquí.
You can crawl here.
'Gatear' comes from the word 'gato' (cat).
Debo cambiar tu pañal.
I must change your nappy.
'Debo' expresses an obligation or necessity.
Debo lavarme las manos.
I must wash my hands.
The '-me' on 'lavarme' means 'myself'.
Quiero abrazarte.
I want to cuddle you.
'Abrazar' means to hug or cuddle; '-te' means 'you'.
¿Quieres beber?
Do you want to drink?
In Spanish, the question mark is used at both ends.
Puedes jugar aquí.
You may play here.
Spanish does not distinguish between 'can' and 'may'; both use 'poder'.
Puedes tocar el agua.
You may touch the water.
A simple way to encourage safe exploration.
Hear these phrases and practise them
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Try it free for 7 daysKey words
el pañal
the nappy / diaper
gatear
to crawl
agarrar
to hold / to grab
el agua
the water
Even though it is feminine, it uses 'el' in the singular.
Using Modal Verbs
Modal verbs are 'helper' verbs. You conjugate the modal verb and keep the following action verb in its basic (infinitive) form.
| Use | Form | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Poder (Can/May) | Puedo / Puedes | Puedes jugar (You can play). |
| Querer (Want) | Quiero / Quieres | Quiero comer (I want to eat). |
| Deber (Must) | Debo / Debes | Debo dormir (I must sleep). |
More examples
¿Quieres un abrazo?
Do you want a hug?
Debo limpiar la mesa.
I must clean the table.
Puedes sentarte aquí.
You can sit here.