Using "Can" in English but not "Poder" in Spanish

Gatita – Tue, 13 Apr 2010 01:44:59 -0500

I have a question about the use of the word "can" when forming questions in English where the corresponding verb "poder" in Spanish seems to often be omitted.

For example "¿Me pasas la sal?" "Can you pass me the salt?" or
¿Me das cambio? "Can you give me change?"

How do I know when the "can" can be omitted in Spanish? Does it sound weird in Spanish if I use the verb "poder" where I would normally say "can" in English? For example "¿Me puedes pasar la sal?".

Muchas gracias!

Mauricio – Mon, 19 Apr 2010 00:27:09 -0500

Hola Gatita!

Using "poder" where you would say "CAN" in English is absolutely correct.

So, yes, you can say,

"¿Me puedes pasar la sal?" (Can you pass me the salt?)
"¿Me puedes dar cambio?" (Can you give me change?)
"¿Me puedes llamar?" (Can you call me?)

...and so on.

Just as a note:
"¿Me das cambio?" LITERALLY translates as "Give me change?" (there is no "can" in the phrase)

I hope that helps.

Mauricio

joy t – Sun, 01 Jan 2012 12:37:40 -0600

Here translating the MEANING is done and NOT THE WORDS!!!! Thats why the sentences without podder are also translated to"Can...?" as that is the MEANING conveyed.

Hope that helps.

Using "Can" in English but not "Poder" in Spanish

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