Pude (en. Could)

[ˈpu.ðe]

Meaning & Definition

EnglishSpanish
verb
It indicates the ability or possibility of carrying out an action in the past.
Last year I was able to attend the conference.
El año pasado pude asistir a la conferencia.
Used to express that something was achieved in the past.
I was able to finish the project on time.
Pude terminar el proyecto a tiempo.
It is used in questions to inquire about ability in the past.
Were you able to find what you were looking for?
¿Pudiste encontrar lo que buscabas?

Etymology

From the Latin 'posse', which means to be able.

Common Phrases and Expressions

I could but I didn't want to
It means that the opportunity was there but the decision was made not to act.
pude y no quise
I was able to do it
It indicates that a specific task was successfully completed.
pude hacerlo
I could have gone
It refers to a past opportunity that was missed.
pude haber ido

Related Words

to be able
Verb that indicates the ability to do something.
poder
I can
First person of the present tense of the verb to be able.
puedo
I could
Conditional of the verb to be able, indicating possibility.
podría

Slang Meanings

Colloquial expression meaning to succeed at something.
I aced the exam, it was easy!
¡Pude con el examen, fue fácil!
To be able to complete a task with difficulty.
After a lot of effort, I managed to complete the project.
Después de mucho esfuerzo, pude con el proyecto.