How to Conjugate the Verb Pouvoir in French:
Pouvoir is one of the most commonly used verbs in French. It is also a verb that can be used in a variety of ways, so it is a very important verb o understand in order to become fluent in French!
How to use the verb pouvoir in French:
1. Can/ to be able to
The verb pouvoir expresses the ability to do something and can be used as the French equivalent of the verbs can and to be able to. Just like it’s English equivalent, the verb pouvoir is always followed by the infinitive form of a verb.
Je peux jouer de la guitare.
I can play guitar.
Je peux courir à 10km/h.
I am able to run at 10 km/h.
2. Permission
You can use the verb pouvoir to ask permission just like you would use the verb can and may in English.
Puis-je aller à la salle de bain?
May I go to the bathroom?
Est-ce que je peux emprunter ton crayon?
Can I borrow your pencil?
3. Possibility
You can use the verb pouvoir to indicate that something might or might not happen. It shows uncertainty.
Je vais peut-être arriver en retard.
I might arrive late.
Il se peut que je ne puisse pas manger.
I may not be able to eat.
Je peux partir vers 5h.
I might leave around 5 pm.
Conjugating Pouvoir in French:
Pronouns | Imparfait | Passé composé |
Je (I) | pouvais | ai pu |
Tu (you) | pouvais | as pu |
Il/elle/on (He/she/ it/ we) | pouvait | a pu |
Nous (we) | pouvions | avons pu |
Vous (you) | pouviez | avez pu |
Ils/elles (they) | pouvaient | ont pu |
Pronouns | Présent | Futur proche | Futur simple |
Je (I) | peux | vais pouvoir | pourrai |
Tu (you) | peux | vas pouvoir | pourras |
Il/elle/on (He/she/ it/ we) | peut | va pouvoir | pourra |
Nous (we) | pouvons | allons pouvoir | pourrons |
Vous (you) | pouvez | allez pouvoir | pourrez |
Ils/elles (they) | peuvent | vont pouvoir | pourront |
Free printable practice worksheets to learn how to use the verb Pouvoir in French:
Now that you have learned more about the verb pouvoir, test your knowledge with our practice worksheets!
