Spanish for English speakers Cafe · Lesson 5

Are you able to..?

Talk about abilities in Spanish with saber and poder — Sé esquiar, pero ahora no puedo (I can ski, but I can't now) — perfect for skill discussions.

Conversation

  1. Meera Meera

    ¿Sabes esquiar?

    Can you ski?

    Tip: <Sabes> in this context means "are able to" or "know how to". <Sé> = I know/ I am able <Sabes> = you know/ you are able

  2. Kyle Kyle

    Sé esquiar, pero ahora no puedo

    I can ski, but I can't now

    Tip: <Sé esquiar> = I am able to ski <No puedo> = I am not allowed to ski <Pero ahora> = but now

  3. Meera Meera

    ¿Por qué?

    Why?

  4. Kyle Kyle

    Porque no ha habido mucha nieve en los últimos años

    Because there hasn't been much snow in recent years

    Tip: <En los últimos años> = In recent years In Spanish when asking why you say <¿Por qué...?> and when answering you must say <porque> = because

Common questions

Quick answers about this lesson's grammar and vocabulary.

How do you say 'I know how to ...' in Spanish?

Sé + infinitive: sé esquiar (I can ski), sé hablar inglés (I can speak English). Saber + infinitive expresses learned ability.

When do you use poder?

For temporary or situational ability: ahora no puedo (I can't right now). Poder + infinitive.

Spanish sports vocabulary?

Esquiar (to ski), nadar (to swim), correr (to run), jugar al tenis (play tennis), montar en bicicleta (cycle).