Peuvent (en. Can)

/pø.vɛ/

Meaning & Definition

EnglishFrench

verb

Used to express a possibility.

Anything can happen in this situation.

Tout peut arriver dans cette situation.

Expresses the ability or possibility to do something.

They can come to the party.

Ils peuvent venir à la fête.

Indicates permission or authorization.

The children can play in the park.

Les enfants peuvent jouer dans le parc.

The verb 'to be able' comes from the Latin 'posse', meaning 'to be capable'.

They can do it

They have the ability to accomplish that.

Ils peuvent le faire

Whatever you want, they can

Whatever you desire, they are capable of achieving it.

Ce que vous voulez, ils peuvent

They cannot

They do not have the ability or permission to do something.

Ils ne peuvent pas

to be able

Verb meaning to have the capacity or authorization.

pouvoir

possibility

State of being capable of something.

possibilité

ability

Quality of being able to do something.

capacité

They can get by

They can manage without help.

Ils peuvent se débrouiller sans aide.

They can take off

Once they are ready, they can take off.

Une fois qu'ils sont prêts, ils peuvent décoller.