Pouvais (en. Could)

/pu.vɛ/

Meaning & Definition

EnglishFrench

verb

Indicates the ability or possibility to do something in the past.

When I was a child, I could play all day.

Quand j'étais enfant, je pouvais jouer toute la journée.

Expresses permission in the past.

At that time, I could go out late at night.

À l'époque, je pouvais sortir tard le soir.

Used to talk about an action not completed due to lack of ability.

I wanted to come, but I could not.

Je voulais venir, mais je ne pouvais pas.

From Latin 'potere', meaning 'to be able to'.

I could go there.

I had the opportunity to go there.

Je pouvais y aller

You could do it.

You had the ability to do it.

Tu pouvais le faire

We could help him.

We had the opportunity to help him.

Nous pouvions l'aider

to be able

Having the capacity, strength, or authority to do something.

pouvoir

possible

That can occur or exist; doable.

possible

ability

The aptitude to accomplish something.

capacité

One might say I could, to express a sense of nostalgia.

Back then, I could, it was great!

À l'époque, je pouvais, c'était génial!

Used in an informal context to express regrets.

I should have done it, but I could not.

J'aurais dû le faire, mais je ne pouvais pas.