A1 Spanish grammar
Querer and Poder: Say What You Want and Can Do
Querer and poder help you say what you want and what you can do. Both change their stem in most present forms, and both are normally followed by an infinitive when another action follows.
Form querer and poder in the present
Use quiero, quieres, quiere, queremos, queréis, quieren and puedo, puedes, puede, podemos, podéis, pueden.
Quiero aprender español.Quick check
Choose the present form: yo + querer.
Use querer plus an infinitive
Conjugate querer, then keep the next verb in its infinitive form: Quiero aprender.
Queremos comer ahora.Use poder plus an infinitive
Conjugate poder for ability or permission, then add an infinitive: Podemos entrar.
¿Puedes ayudarme?Common mistakes
Quiero aprendo español.
Quiero aprender español.
The second verb stays in the infinitive.
Nosotros puedemos entrar.
Nosotros podemos entrar.
Nosotros does not use the o-to-ue stem change.
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Querer and poder FAQ
What is the difference between querer and poder?
Querer expresses a want; poder expresses ability or permission.
What follows querer and poder?
Use an infinitive when another action follows.
Why is it queremos but quiero?
The e-to-ie change does not occur in nosotros or vosotros.
How do you ask can you help me?
Ask ¿Puedes ayudarme?