Pourrais-je (en. Could i)

/puʁɛ/ʒə/

Meaning & Definition

EnglishFrench

verb

Expression used to ask for permission or the possibility to do something.

Could I borrow your book?

Pourrais-je emprunter ton livre ?

Used to ask a question about a possibility.

Could I go to the party tonight?

Pourrais-je aller à la fête ce soir ?

Form of the verb "to be able," combined with the subject pronoun "I."

could I have a glass of water?

Polite request to obtain water.

pourrais-je avoir un verre d'eau ?

could I ask you a question?

Polite request to ask a question.

pourrais-je vous poser une question ?

could I visit your office?

Polite request to visit a place.

pourrais-je visiter votre bureau ?

to be able

Verb expressing ability or permission.

pouvoir

request

Action of asking for something.

demande

to allow

Granting the possibility to do something.

permettre

Casual expression to ask for something.

Could I grab a coffee, please?

Pourrais-je choper un café, s'il te plaît ?