Poder / Conseguir

Question 1

Poder

Answer 1

When you say
“posso fazer isso.”

you’re speaking from a position of doors that stand open.

it’s the realm of the possible, the theoretical capacity that exists before action.

Question 2

“Conseguir”

Answer 2

“Consegui fazer isso”

suggests you’ve moved from possibility to accomplishment.

represents actualized achievement

Question 3

PODER -
Pure Potentiality

Answer 3

“Posso aprender chinês se quiser”

(I can learn Chinese if I want to)

The realm of the possible, theoretical capacity:

Question 4

CONSEGUIR - Actualized Achievement

Answer 4

“Consegui aprender chinês em dois anos”

(I managed to learn Chinese in two years)

Potentiality tested against reality and victorious:

Question 5

Posso ir ao ginásio todos os dias”

Consegui ir ao ginásio todos os dias este mês”

Answer 5

The difference between the dream and making it happen anyway.

Question 6

“Posso correr 10 quilómetros”

“Não posso ver sem óculos”

Answer 6

(I can run 10 kilometers)

(I can’t see without glasses)

Physical/mental ability

Question 7

“Posso entrar?

“Não podes fumar aqui”

Answer 7

(May I come in?)

(You can’t smoke here)

Permission

Question 8

“Pode chover amanhã”

“Isso pode ser verdade”

Answer 8

(It might rain tomorrow)

“Isso pode ser verdade” (That could be true)

Possibility/probability

Question 9

“Consegui terminar o relatório”

“Não consegue abrir a porta”

Answer 9

(I managed to finish the report)

(He can’t manage to open the door)

to manage to

Successfully completing an action (with effort)

Question 10

“Conseguiu bilhetes para o concerto”

“Onde conseguiste essa informação?”

Answer 10

(He got tickets for the concert)

(Where did you get that information?)

**Obtaining ** something (through effort)

Question 11

“Finalmente conseguiu o emprego”

“Conseguimos chegar a tempo”

Answer 11

(He finally got the job)

(We managed to arrive on time)

Achieving a goal