Puissions (en. Powers)

/pɥi.sjɔ̃/

Meaning & Definition

EnglishFrench

verb

Verb used to express ability or possibility in the subjunctive mood.

We must be able to realize this project.

Il faut que nous puissions réaliser ce projet.

Used in formal contexts or wishes.

I hope that we can reach an agreement.

J'espère que nous puissions arriver à un accord.

Employed to indicate a condition in certain phrases.

Although we may be late, we will do our best.

Bien que nous puissions être en retard, nous ferons de notre mieux.

Comes from the Latin verb 'posse', meaning 'to be able to'.

We must be able to

Expression indicating the necessity of having the ability or possibility.

Il faut que nous puissions

If we could

Indicates a condition that would allow for action.

Si nous puissions

So that we can

Used to introduce a goal or condition.

Pour que nous puissions

to be able

Verb indicating the capacity to do something.

pouvoir

ability

Quality of being able or capable of doing something.

capacité

possibility

State of what can occur or be accomplished.

possibilité

Used to humorously indicate a perceived inability.

I know we could, but as usual, nothing gets done!

Je sais qu'on pourrait, mais comme d'hab, rien ne se fait !

Expresses a wish in a casual context.

If only we could not work this weekend!

Si seulement on puissions ne pas travailler ce week-end !