Spanish for English speakers Beach · Lesson 2

Can you? Can't you?

Use saber vs poder in Spanish — both mean 'can' but with different nuances. Saber nadar (know how to swim) vs no puedo ahora (can't right now).

Conversation

  1. Yennifer Yennifer

    ¿Sabes nadar?

    Can you swim?

  2. Rocky Rocky

    S-s-s-í sé, pero por ahora no puedo

    I-I-I am able to swim, but NOW I can't

    Tip: <Por ahora> = now, in this moment

  3. Yennifer Yennifer

    ¿Por qué no puedes?

    Why can't you?

    Tip: <No puedo> = I can't <No puedes> = You can't

  4. Rocky Rocky

    P-p-porque es invierno: no hace suficiente calor

    B-b-because it is winter: it's not hot enough!

    Tip: Non + verb + suficiente + noun non bebe suficiente agua = he doesn't drink enough water

Common questions

Quick answers about this lesson's grammar and vocabulary.

What's the difference between saber and poder?

Saber = know how to (learned skill). Poder = be able to (right now). Sé nadar pero no puedo ahora = 'I can swim but I can't right now'.

How do you conjugate saber for 'I'?

Yo sé. ¿Sabes? = 'do you know (how)?'. The first-person sé carries an accent to distinguish from se (reflexive pronoun).

How do you say 'I can't' in Spanish?

No puedo + infinitive: no puedo nadar = 'I can't swim'. No puedo ahora = 'I can't right now'.

Next lesson in Beach You book? I'll book! →