Learn more about this word
Poder
Poder means both to be able to and to be allowed to, exactly like English can and may. It is followed directly by an infinitive with no preposition: posso entrar, podes ajudar. In Portugal, poder covers permission far more often than conseguir, which is reserved for managing something difficult.
Examples in context
Não vais poder entrar sem bilhete.
You will not be able to get in without a ticket.
Poder ajudar os outros é bom.
Being able to help others is a good thing.
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