Podrían (en. Could)

/poˈðɾjan/

Meaning & Definition

EnglishSpanish

verb

Indicates a possibility or capability in the context of a future action.

If they had time, they could help us.

Si tuvieran tiempo, podrían ayudarnos.

Expresses a hypothesis or assumption about a situation.

They could become great friends.

Podrían llegar a ser grandes amigos.

It is often used to make suggestions or recommendations.

They could consider changing strategies.

Podrían considerar cambiar de estrategia.

Form of the verb 'to be able', derived from the Latin 'posse'.

They could do it

Indicates that there is a possibility that they will do it.

Podrían hacerlo

If they wanted to, they could come

Shows that they have the option to attend.

Si quisieran, podrían venir

They could have arrived

Suggests that there is a possibility that they are already here.

Podrían haber llegado

to be able

Verb that indicates the ability to perform an action.

poder

possibility

Condition that something has the opportunity to occur.

posibilidad

capability

Potential to achieve something.

capacidad

A colloquial way of belittling the idea that something difficult can be accomplished.

They could do it, but I don’t think they will succeed.

Podrían hacerlo, pero no creo que lo logren.

Used among friends to joke about the unlikelihood of something happening.

Sure, they could win the lottery, but it's not very likely.

Claro, podrían ganar la lotería, pero no es muy probable.