pouvoir/pu.vwaʁ/
verb / noun · A1 · Frequency 50
verb
Meanings
to be able to do something, can
Indicates ability or possibility
may
Used to express permission or conjecture
to have the right or authority to do something
Indicates having rights or authority
Examples
Après quelques essais, elle espère pouvoir réparer la lampe elle-même.
After a few attempts, she hopes to be able to repair the lamp herself.
Pour pouvoir entrer dans le laboratoire, il faut porter une blouse.
To be allowed to enter the laboratory, you have to wear a lab coat.
Le juge doit pouvoir ordonner une nouvelle expertise si nécessaire.
The judge must have the authority to order a new assessment if necessary.
Collocations
- pouvoir se permettre deto be able to afford to
Common mistakes
Je peut venir.
Je peux venir.
In the present indicative, the first-person singular of pouvoir is the irregular form peux, not the third-person singular form peut.
Related words
synonymêtre capable deto be able to do something
synonymavoir la permission deto have permission to do something
antonymne pas pouvoirnot to be able to, cannot
Grammar note
The verb pouvoir uses both auxiliary verbs avoir and être in compound tenses; it can also be used pronominally.
nounmasculine
Meanings
power
Refers to the influence or control held by an individual or group.
authority; authorization
refers to legal or formal authorization/powers; often plural for official powers.
power of attorney
A legal document authorizing someone to act on another's behalf.
Examples
Le pouvoir peut changer profondément le comportement d'un dirigeant.
Power can profoundly change a leader's behavior.
Le directeur a le pouvoir de valider cette dépense.
The director has the authority to approve this expense.
Elle a signé un pouvoir pour permettre à son frère de la représenter.
She signed a power of attorney allowing her brother to represent her.
Collocations
- prendre le pouvoirseize power
- donner pouvoir à son avocatgrant power of attorney to one's lawyer
Common mistakes
le pouvoir est très fort
le pouvoir est très grand
In French, when describing the extent of power, 'grand' is typically used instead of 'fort'.
avoir un pouvoir sur quelqu'un
avoir autorité sur quelqu'un
As a noun, when expressing authority, 'autorité' is more commonly used than 'pouvoir'.
Related words
synonymautoritéauthority (the power to enforce rules or give orders)
synonymforceforce
verb
Meanings
to be able to do something, can
Indicates ability or possibility
may
Used to express permission or conjecture
to have the right or authority to do something
Indicates having rights or authority
Examples
Pouvant travailler à distance, elle a accepté le poste sans hésiter.
Being able to work remotely, she accepted the position without hesitation.
Pouvant entrer après dix-huit heures, les visiteurs n'ont pas eu besoin d'attendre.
Since they were allowed to enter after six, the visitors did not need to wait.
Pouvant engager du personnel, la directrice a rapidement renforcé l'équipe.
Having the authority to hire staff, the director quickly strengthened the team.
Grammar note
The verb pouvoir uses both auxiliary verbs avoir and être in compound tenses; it can also be used pronominally.
verb
Meanings
to be able to do something, can
Indicates ability or possibility
may
Used to express permission or conjecture
to have the right or authority to do something
Indicates having rights or authority
Examples
Nous avons pu terminer le rapport avant la réunion.
We were able to finish the report before the meeting.
Le retard a pu être causé par une panne du réseau.
The delay may have been caused by a network failure.
La directrice a pu autoriser cette dépense exceptionnelle.
The director had the authority to approve this exceptional expense.
Grammar note
The verb pouvoir uses both auxiliary verbs avoir and être in compound tenses; it can also be used pronominally.
verb
Meanings
to be able to do something, can
Indicates ability or possibility
may
Used to express permission or conjecture
to have the right or authority to do something
Indicates having rights or authority
Examples
Je peux réparer cette étagère avec quelques vis.
I can repair this shelf with a few screws.
Je peux avoir mal compris votre message.
I may have misunderstood your message.
En tant que responsable, je peux valider cette dépense.
As the person in charge, I have the authority to approve this expense.
Collocations
- pouvoir se permettre deto be able to afford to
Common mistakes
Je peut venir.
Je peux venir.
In the present indicative, the first-person singular of pouvoir is the irregular form peux, not the third-person singular form peut.
Related words
synonymêtre capable deto be able to do something
synonymavoir la permission deto have permission to do something
antonymne pas pouvoirnot to be able to, cannot
Grammar note
The verb pouvoir uses both auxiliary verbs avoir and être in compound tenses; it can also be used pronominally.