nounverb

el poder

can

Es la capacidad de hacer algo o influir en otras personas o situaciones.

Definition & meaning

The word poder has two primary functions in the Spanish language:

As a verb: It means "to be able to" or "can." It expresses the capacity, capability, or permission to perform an action. It is also used to indicate probability or possibility in the future or present (e.g., "puede llover" - "it might rain").
As a noun: It means "power." In this sense, it refers to the capacity to influence others, the possession of authority, or control over a situation, territory, or people (e.g., "el poder político" - "political power"). It can also refer to legal authorization, as in a power of attorney.

Grammar & Word origin

Grammatically, poder is an irregular verb of the second conjugation (-er). It is a modal verb, which means it is typically followed by another verb in the infinitive form to express ability (e.g., "puedo correr" - "I can run"). As a noun, it is a masculine noun.

Etymologically, it originates from the Vulgar Latin potere, which evolved from the classical Latin posse (to be able). It shares the same root as words related to potential and potency.