FYW 186 : “savoir” or “pouvoir”? How to translate “can” into French

The English modal "can" has a couple of different translations in French depending on its meaning. Let's clarify how to translate "can" into French. You’ll see, it's easy!

Vocabulary and Spelling of the French Words mentioned in this episode

"I don't have time to do it" = "Je n'ai pas le temps de le faire"

Can I open the window? = (Est-ce que) je peux ouvrir la fenêtre ?

Can you take a photo of me please? = Est-ce que vous pouvez (tu peux) me prendre en photo ?

I can swim: I learnt when I was 6. = Je sais nager

I can swim 2km in one hour. = Je peux nager 2km en une heure.

Je sais parler un peu français

Je peux avoir une conversation basique, mais pas participer à un grand débat

Je sais lire

Je peux lire un livre en français moderne, mais je ne peux pas lire le vieux français

LINKS and RESOURCES!

Episode 92 : “The difference between SAVOIR and CONNAITRE”: www.frenchyourway.com.au/podcast92

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