Is the point of this lesson that the conditional of pouvoir is used to express possibility?

Kevin C.B1Kwiziq Q&A regular contributor

Is the point of this lesson that the conditional of pouvoir is used to express possibility?

Is the point of this lesson that the conditional of pouvoir is used to express possibility? I don't grasp the difference between "pouvez-vous m'aider" and "pourriez-vous m'aider", or would you just not say the first one?
Asked 7 years ago
AurélieNative French expert teacher in KwiziqCorrect answer
Bonjour Kevin !

"Pouvez-vous m'aider ?" means "Can you help me?", whereas
"Pourriez-vous m'aider ?" means "Could you help me?"

Just like in English, both forms are correct, but the second one is more polite, as the use of the conditional makes it a bit less direct.

I hope that's helpful!
À bientôt !
Kevin C.B1Kwiziq Q&A regular contributor
Ah, thank you--very helpful!
Ozan D.A2Kwiziq Q&A regular contributor

what are the meanings of "conditionnel present forms of pouvoir"
possibility,request?and also what does it meanings?

Kevin C. asked:

Is the point of this lesson that the conditional of pouvoir is used to express possibility?

Is the point of this lesson that the conditional of pouvoir is used to express possibility? I don't grasp the difference between "pouvez-vous m'aider" and "pourriez-vous m'aider", or would you just not say the first one?

Sign in to submit your answer

Don't have an account yet? Join today

Ask a question

Find your French level for FREE

Test your French to the CEFR standard

Find your French level
I'll be right with you...