![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.clozemaster.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/miguel-bruna-TzVN0xQhWaQ-unsplash-scaled.jpg\")
<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
The verb potere <\/em>in Italian is the equivalent of the verb \u201cto be able to\u201d, also encompassing \u201ccan\u201d and \u201cmay\u201d, in English. Moreover, potere <\/em>is also the Italian for \u201cpower\u201d, both literally (it is a noun: il potere<\/em> = the power) and figuratively: mastering the potere <\/em>conjugation<\/strong>\u00a0will really step up your Italian skills<\/a> and give you great language powers!<\/p>\n In this article we will look at how to use the Italian verb potere <\/em>correctly, how to conjugate it in the main tenses used in speaking and writing, and when to use it in context with examples and dialogues.<\/p>\n Are you ready? Let\u2019s get started!<\/p>\n Potere<\/em> is an irregular verb of the second conjugation, which means it does not follow the regular pattern for the verbs ending in -ERE, and it is used to express someone\u2019s ability, freedom or capacity to do something. We will look at its uses more in detail below.<\/p>\n Potere is also a modal (or helping) verb<\/strong>, just like volere<\/em><\/a> (to want or have the will to), sapere<\/em><\/a> (to know how to) and dovere<\/em> (to have to). These verbs are always followed by another verb, and they define and describe the \u201cmode\u201d of the action.<\/p>\n In Italian, we call these verbi modali o servili.<\/em><\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n Now that you know the basics, let\u2019s see how and when to use this verb. We use potere <\/em>in Italian much like you would \u201cto be able to\u201d. <\/strong><\/p>\n This verb is therefore employed in questions to ask for permission to do something, in affirmations to state that we can or are able to do something, and in its negative form to express an impediment or a prohibition.<\/p>\n As in English, it is quite a vague verb, so we do not really know the reasons behind it: it can express ability\/inability or permission\/prohibition.<\/p>\n The only thing we know is that usually, when using potere, <\/em>the possibility or impossibility of doing something depends on other people or external circumstances.<\/strong><\/p>\n Now, in many languages you can use the equivalent of \u201ccan\u201d or \u201cbe able to\u201d to talk about your skills. This is NOT the case in Italian.<\/p>\n You CAN NEVER use potere <\/em>to describe your skills or abilities<\/strong>! To do this, we have different verbs:<\/p>\n SAPERE <\/em><\/strong> ESSERE CAPACE DI<\/em><\/a> RIUSCIRE A Let\u2019s see more examples with all these verbs, so to better understand and remember the difference between them:<\/p>\n Before looking at the conjugation of the verb, we need to clear up some things. These points will help you to choose the correct helping verb for the compound tenses<\/a> (verbs formed by more than one word), and to really speak like a native!<\/p>\n Potere<\/em> is a transitive verb, <\/strong>which means it always takes a direct object. In the case of modal verbs, the object is always a verb. See the object in bold below:<\/p>\n As we just mentioned, a compound tense is formed by more than one word. Usually, it is made up of an auxiliary verb (essere<\/em> or avere<\/em>) and a past participle.<\/p>\n Knowing the conjugations of the auxiliary and the participle of the verb potere <\/em>will allow you to form all the compound tenses\u2026 Isn\u2019t that great?<\/p>\n The past participle of the verb potere <\/em>is potuto<\/em><\/strong>. When we use the verb essere <\/em>as an auxiliary, it will change according to the number and gender of the subject:<\/p>\n When forming compound tenses, the modal verb potere <\/em>can take both auxiliaries essere <\/em>(to be) and avere <\/em>(to have): <\/em><\/p>\n What does this depend on?<\/p>\n Choosing between essere <\/em>(to be) and avere <\/em>(to have) always depends on the verb that comes after potere<\/em><\/strong>. <\/em>As we just mentioned, potere is a helping verb, which means it will take the verb that the verb it is helping needs.<\/p>\n And how do you know if a verb takes essere <\/em>(to be) or avere <\/em>(to have) in compound tenses? There are some general rules, but the easiest way to be sure is to check an Italian dictionary<\/a>! In brackets, after the verb, you will find the words \u201cauxiliary verb\u201d, which will tell you all you need to know!<\/p>\n TIP: <\/strong>Remember, if you use the auxiliary verb essere <\/em>(to be), the past participle of the compound tense will have to agree in gender and number with the subject! (In this case you will need to choose between potuto, potuta, potuti, potute.<\/em>)<\/p>\n Some examples:<\/p>\n Now, we\u2019re ready for the conjugations!<\/p>\n Now that we\u2019ve seen all the basics and learned when and how we can use the verb potere <\/em>(and when we can\u2019t!), let\u2019s look at its conjugation.<\/p>\n Here, you\u2019ll find all the conjugations you need divided into levels<\/strong>: from beginners to advanced (and up to those tenses even some native Italian speakers get wrong!).<\/p>\n In the following tables, we will use the verb avere <\/em>(to have) as the auxiliary to build compound tenses.<\/p>\n Don\u2019t forget, though, that potere<\/em> also takes essere <\/em>(to be) when the verb it is helping need that auxiliary. (And do not forget to change the participle so that it agrees in gender and number with the subject!)<\/p>\n First, let\u2019s look at the conjugations for the most used verbs in the indicative mood<\/strong>: the present (presente<\/em><\/strong>), simple future (<\/em>futuro semplice<\/em><\/strong>)<\/em>, imperfect (imperfetto<\/em><\/strong>), and present perfect (passato prossimo<\/em><\/strong>).<\/p>\n The indicative mood <\/strong>is a verb form used to make statements, ask questions and express facts and opinions. If you are starting to learn Italian, these are the first verb tenses you will need, for sure!<\/p>\n<\/a>Potere: <\/em>What Kind of Verb Is It?<\/h2>\n
<\/a>Potere<\/em>: When to Use<\/h2>\n
\n
\nCan I use your car tonight?<\/li>\n
\nWe can go out tonight, but not tomorrow.<\/li>\n
\nI could not (wasn’t able to) go to the seaside this year, I had too much work.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/a>Potere<\/em>, Sapere, Essere Capace<\/em>, and Riuscire<\/em><\/h3>\n
\nWhen followed by a verb, sapere <\/em>takes the meaning of \u201cknowing how to\u201d, which means it describes an acquired ability.<\/p>\n\n
\nI can (know how to) swim, and you?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\n<\/em><\/strong> The meaning and use of essere capace <\/em>is very close to sapere.<\/em><\/p>\n\n
\n<\/em> Do you know how to drive?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\n<\/em><\/strong> While with the two previous verbs we are talking about a learned skill or ability, riuscire a <\/em>is more about personal (mental or physical) capability.<\/p>\n\n
\nI am not able to study with this music.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n
\n<\/em> Martin can play soccer, but he cannot go to the match today because he has an exam.<\/li>\n
\nLucia can play the guitar, but she can\u2019t because her hand hurts.<\/li>\n
\nWe are able to drive, but can\u2019t because we do not have the license.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/a>Potere <\/em>with Compound Tenses<\/h2>\n
\n
\n<\/em> Can I go to the bathroom?<\/li>\n
\nWe can\u2019t come.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/a>The Past Participle of Potere<\/em><\/h3>\n
\n
\n
\nI could…<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n
\nI could…<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n
\nWe could…<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n
\nWe could…<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/a>Essere<\/em> or Avere<\/em>?<\/h3>\n
\n
\nI could…<\/li>\n
\n<\/em> We couldn\u2019t\u2026<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n
\nNon <\/em>siamo potute uscire<\/em><\/strong> ieri sera.
\n<\/em> We could not go out last night.<\/li>\n
\nAvresti potuto<\/em><\/strong> chiamarmi!<\/em>
\nYou could have called me!<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/a>Potere<\/em>: Conjugation<\/h2>\n
<\/a>Potere <\/em>Conjugation for Beginners<\/h3>\n
\n\n
\n <\/td>\n Presente<\/em><\/strong><\/td>\n Imperfetto<\/em><\/strong><\/td>\n