Pouvais-je (en. Could i)

/pu.vɛ ʒə/

Meaning & Definition

EnglishFrench

verb

Use of the conditional form of the verb 'to be able' to ask a question.

Could I help you with your project?

Pouvais-je vous aider avec votre projet ?

Expression of a possibility or permission in the imperfect.

Could I attend the meeting yesterday?

Pouvais-je assister à la réunion hier ?

Polite form to request something.

Could I borrow your book?

Pouvais-je emprunter votre livre ?

From the verb 'to be able,' deriving from the Latin 'posse.'

Could I have the honor of...

Used to politely ask for permission or a privilege.

Pouvais-je avoir l'honneur de...

Could I ask you a question?

Polite form to introduce a question.

Pouvais-je vous poser une question ?

Could I allow myself to...

Request for permission to act in a certain way.

Pouvais-je me permettre de...

to be able

Verb meaning to be able to do something or to have the authority.

pouvoir

permission

The consent given to do something.

permission

ability

The possibility of doing something.

capacité

A more casual way to ask for anything.

Could I grab a glass of water?

Pouvais-je choper un verre d'eau ?

Used in friendly conversations to express a request.

Hey, could I swing by your place tonight?

Eh, pouvais-je passer chez toi ce soir ?