French · Everyday Verbs
"can (to be able to)" in French: pouvoir
pouvoir
Note: to know how to: savoir
To be able to in French is pouvoir. Say je peux and tu peux for can. Pouvoir is ability or permission; savoir is knowing how (Je sais nager).
Scheduling
Je peux venir vers dix-huit heures.Speak with an AI partner · 7 days free
How to pronounce pouvoir
Say it
poo-VWAHR
/pu.vwaʁ/
poo-VWAHR. Ou like oo; oi in peux is puh.
"can (to be able to)" in French: quick reference
| French | English | When to use |
|---|---|---|
| pouvoir | to be able to / can Infinitive. | Infinitive. |
| je peux | I can First person. | First person. |
| tu peux | you can Informal. | Informal. |
| on peut | we/you can Everyday on. | Everyday on. |
How to use pouvoir in real life
- 1Scheduling
Je peux venir vers dix-huit heures.
I can come around six.
Je peux.
- 2Asking permission
Tu peux ouvrir la fenêtre ?
Can you open the window?
Tu peux request.
- 3Group plan
On peut prendre le métro ensemble.
We can take the metro together.
On peut.
Mistakes English speakers make with pouvoir
Incorrect: Je sais venir demain. (for ability to come)
Correct: Je peux venir demain.
Pouvoir is can/be able; savoir is know how.
Incorrect: Je pouvoir le faire.
Correct: Je peux le faire.
Conjugate: je peux.
Good to know
Learners mix pouvoir and savoir constantly. If you mean know how, use savoir. Soft requests often use tu peux… ? instead of a blunt imperative.
Try it in a ChatPal conversation
Figuring out who can pick up tickets
ChatPal
Tu peux passer à la billetterie ?
Can you stop by the ticket office?
You
Je peux après le déjeuner, pas avant.
I can after lunch, not before.
ChatPal
Parfait. Moi je peux garder la place dans la file.
Perfect. I can hold the spot in line.
You
Super, à tout à l'heure.
Great—see you in a bit.
This is a sample. In ChatPal you have this conversation out loud and get feedback on what you say.
Practice this conversation in ChatPal"can (to be able to)" in other languages
FAQ
Common questions about "can (to be able to)" in French
How do you say can in French?
Pouvoir—je peux, tu peux…
What's the difference with savoir?
Pouvoir = able/allowed; savoir = know how.
How do I say I can?
Je peux.
How do you pronounce peux?
Puh (like peu).
Learn a word, then use it out loud
- Step 1: See it in context
- Step 2: Say it out loud
- Step 3: Get feedback
- Step 4: Use it in real scenarios
Keep reading
- Ordering Food in French: Essential Phrases for 2026Ordering food in french - Learn how to confidently order food in French with real-life phrases and tips for 2026 travelers
- 10 Best French Speaking Practice Apps for 2026Find the best French speaking practice app to build fluency. We review 10 top tools like ChatPal for conversation, travel prep, and building confidence in 2026.
