Can (Poder vs Conseguir)
The Portuguese verbs conseguir and poder both correspond to the verb can. However, they have different meanings in Portuguese:Conseguir implies that the person must overcome a challenge, or be able to do something. It is interchangeable with be able to or manage to.
Poder is used when there is an element of approval, prohibition, possibility or impossibility.Example:
- Podes tentar voar, mas não vais conseguir. (You can try to fly, but you won’t be able to do it).
In this exercise, you need to choose between these two verbs. By the end, you will have a better understanding of when to use each verb depending on the context.
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Poder is permission and possibility, conseguir is managing despite an obstacle. Both come out as can in English, so this exercise makes you choose.
- An interactive exercise
Written for level B1–B2. Every lesson has its own, anywhere from A1 to B2.
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