could — English–Spanish

1 ABILITY A2

used to say that you are able to do something, especially when this is surprising or unexpected

poder, ser capaz de

Collocations could speak French · could play the piano

She could run very fast when she was younger.

Ella podía correr muy rápido cuando era más joven.

2 POSSIBILITY A2

used to say that something is possible or likely, especially when this seems surprising or unexpected

podría, podría ser que

Collocations could be true · could happen

1 PAST ABILITY B1

used to talk about past ability or possibility, especially when this is surprising or unexpected

podía, podría haber

Collocations could have done · could not have done

1 REQUEST B1

used to make a polite request or offer, especially in formal situations

podrías, ¿me podrías?

Collocations could you please · could I have

1 PAST REQUEST B2

used to make a polite request or offer in the past, especially in formal situations

podrías haber, ¿me podrías?

Collocations could you have done · could I have had

1 PAST POSSIBILITY B2

used to talk about past possibility or likelihood, especially when this is surprising or unexpected

podría haber sido que

Collocations could have been true · could not have happened

1 PAST ABILITY B2

used to talk about past ability or possibility, especially when this is surprising or unexpected

podía haber hecho

Collocations could have done · could not have done

I could have finished the project last week.

Podría haber terminado el proyecto la semana pasada.

1 PAST REQUEST B2

used to make a polite request or offer in the past, especially in formal situations

podrías haber hecho

Collocations could you have done · could I have had