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This lesson covers essential Spanish modal verbs like saber, poder, soler, deber, and querer, teaching you phrases such as "Ella sabe combinar la falda" and "¿Puedes cambiar los pantalones?" to express ability, habit, obligation, and desire.
  1. Modal verbs are followed by an infinitive.
Verbo Modal (Modal Verb)Ejemplo (Example)
SaberElla sabe combinar la falda. (She knows how to match the skirt.)
Poder¿Puedes cambiar los pantalones? (Can you change the trousers?)
SolerNosotros solemos llevar el jersey en invierno. (We usually wear the jumper in winter.)
DeberÉl debe planchar el traje. (He must iron the suit.)
QuererEllas quieren probarse los vestidos. (They want to try on the dresses.)

Exercise 1: Los verbos modales: "Deber, poder, querer,..."

Instruction: Fill in the correct word.

Show translation Show answers

quieres, saben, podéis, suele, debes, debe, suelo, puedes

1. Poder:
¿Tú ... coser la falda?
(Can you sew the skirt?)
2. Soler:
Él ... llevar gafas.
(He usually wears glasses.)
3. Poder:
¿Vosotros ... lavar la camiseta?
(Can you wash the shirt?)
4. Deber:
Tú ... llevar camisa a la boda.
(You must wear a shirt to the wedding.)
5. Saber:
Ellos no ... ponerse el gorro.
(They do not know how to put on the hat.)
6. Soler:
Yo ... ponerme las zapatillas.
(I usually put on my trainers.)
7. Deber:
Ella ... comprar un cinturón.
(She must buy a belt.)
8. Querer:
¿Tú ... elegir el vestido?
(Do you want to choose the dress?)

Exercise 2: Multiple Choice

Instruction: Choose the correct solution

1. ¿_____ probarte el jersey para ver si te queda bien?

(_____ try on the sweater to see if it fits you well?)

2. _____ llevar un abrigo porque hace frío hoy.

(_____ wear a coat because it's cold today.)

3. _____ comprar unas botas nuevas para el invierno.

(_____ buy new boots for winter.)

4. ¿_____ devolver la camisa si no te gusta?

(_____ return the shirt if you don't like it?)

5. Ellos _____ llevar gafas de sol en verano.

(They _____ wear sunglasses in summer.)

6. _____ planchar el vestido antes de salir.

(_____ iron the dress before going out.)

Modal Verbs in Spanish: "Deber, poder, querer,..."

This lesson focuses on essential Spanish modal verbs that express attitudes and necessities regarding actions performed by the subject. Modal verbs are always followed by an infinitive verb in Spanish, forming phrases that convey abilities, obligations, desires, and habits.

Key Modal Verbs Covered

  • Saber – to know how to do something. Example: Ella sabe combinar la falda.
  • Poder – to be able to/can. Example: ¿Puedes cambiar los pantalones?
  • Soler – to usually do something. Example: Nosotros solemos llevar el jersey en invierno.
  • Deber – to must/should/ought to. Example: Él debe planchar el traje.
  • Querer – to want. Example: Ellas quieren probarse los vestidos.

How Modal Verbs Function

Modal verbs in Spanish modify the action expressed by the following verb and reflect essential aspects like capability (poder), obligation (deber), habitual actions (soler), or desire (querer). For instance, "Poder" suggests ability or permission, and it’s commonly used in questions or requests.

Differences and Useful Insights for English Speakers

Unlike English, where modal verbs like "can," "should," and "want" stand alone, Spanish modal verbs always require an infinitive following them directly. Also, Spanish modal verbs conjugate fully according to the subject, unlike some English modals (like "can" or "must" that have limited conjugation).

Some useful expressions to note:

  • Deber + infinitive = should/must do something (e.g., Debes llevar un abrigo).
  • Poder + infinitive = can be able to do something (e.g., ¿Puedes probarte el jersey?).
  • Querer + infinitive = to want to do something (e.g., Quiero comprar unas botas nuevas).

These constructions allow you to express necessity, possibility, habit, and desire clearly and naturally.

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