Spanish · A1 · Family moment
Try It Yourself in Spanish
This guide focuses on encouraging your child's growing independence using the verb 'poder' (to be able to/can). You will learn how to praise their abilities, ask them to try tasks, and explain temporary limitations.
What you'll learn
- Conjugate the verb 'poder' in the present tense
- Formulate questions about ability
- Use 'no' to express things that cannot happen
Spanish phrases for try it yourself
Tú puedes montar en tu bicicleta.
You can ride your bike.
'Montar en' is the standard way to say 'to ride' a bike or horse.
¿Puedes cocinar pasta?
Can you cook pasta?
In Spanish, the question is formed by the tone of voice and the question marks.
Yo puedo ayudarte.
I can help you.
The 'te' (you) is attached to the end of the infinitive 'ayudar'.
Puedes preparar tu mochila.
You can pack your bag.
'Mochila' is the specific word for backpack/school bag.
¿Puedes hacer esto solo?
Can you do this alone?
Use 'sola' if you are speaking to a girl.
No puedo encontrar tu casco.
I cannot find your helmet.
Simply place 'no' before 'puedo' to say 'cannot'.
No podemos jugar afuera hoy.
We cannot play outside today.
'Podemos' is the 'we' form; note that the 'o' does not change to 'ue' in this form.
Puedes elegir un juego.
You can choose a game.
'Elegir' is a common verb for making choices.
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
Poder
Can / To be able to
This is the core verb for expressing ability or permission.
Solo / Sola
Alone
Adjectives must match the gender of the child you are talking to.
Mochila
Bag / Backpack
Used frequently in the context of getting ready for school or outings.
The Verb 'Poder'
Poder is a 'stem-changing' verb. The 'o' changes to 'ue' in most forms, except for 'we' (nosotros).
| Use | Form | Example |
|---|---|---|
| I can | Yo puedo | Yo puedo cantar. |
| You can | Tú puedes | ¿Puedes saltar? |
| He/She can | Él/Ella puede | Ella puede leer. |
| We can | Nosotros podemos | Podemos ir. |
More examples
¿Puedes ponerte los zapatos?
Can you put on your shoes?
Encouraging a self-care task.
Tú puedes hacerlo.
You can do it.
A very common phrase for general encouragement.