PrepMyFrench
PrepMyFrench
Conjugation directory
Pouvoir is one of the central modal verbs in French. It softens requests, describes ability, and lets you talk about possibility with control.
Use it for ability, permission, and polite requests in speaking and writing.
Pouvez-vous répéter, s'il vous plaît ?
Can you repeat, please?
Do not overuse peux / peut when a softer or more formal structure would sound better in a written answer.
Use the table above and the related links below to pin the pattern down before you move on to other verbs.
Start with the present tense, then the passé composé. Those two forms carry most everyday conversation and make the rest of the table easier to recognise.
Pouvoir typically uses avoir in compound tenses. Check the table above and keep the past participle in view when you move into compound forms.
Use the related links below and then open the interactive conjugator to compare this verb with others you use often.