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Learn about key Spanish modal verbs such as deber, poder, querer, saber, and soler. This lesson teaches their uses and formations with infinitive verbs to express abilities, obligations, desires, and habitual actions, helping build foundational Spanish communication skills at an A1 level.
  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.)

Introduction to Spanish Modal Verbs

This lesson focuses on essential Spanish modal verbs such as deber (should), poder (can/may), querer (to want), saber (to know how), and soler (usually do). Modal verbs are used to express attitudes, obligations, abilities, preferences, or repeated actions related to the verb that follows.

What You Will Learn

By studying this lesson, you will understand how modal verbs are constructed and used in Spanish. The modal verbs are always followed by an infinitive verb, forming phrases like "Ella sabe combinar la falda" (She knows how to match the skirt) or "Ellas quieren probarse los vestidos" (They want to try on the dresses).

Examples and Structure

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

Key Notes

In Spanish, modal verbs govern an infinitive verb that immediately follows them, without prepositions. This is a crucial difference from English, where modals like "can," "should," or "want to" also influence the infinitive but sometimes require particles like "to." For example, in Spanish, you say "debe llevar" (should wear), while in English, it's "should wear" without an extra word, but with "want," English uses "want to wear," whereas Spanish simply uses "quiere llevar".

Understanding these modal verbs will enable you to form natural sentences expressing ability, obligation, desire, and habitual actions. Practice with the included examples and exercises to get comfortable recognizing and using these verbs correctly.

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