French Expressions with Pouvoir

The French verb pouvoir literally means "to be able to" and is also used in many idiomatic expressions. Learn how to be beside oneself, to be fed up, to do what you can, and more with this list of expressions with pouvoir.

Possible meanings of pouvoir

• to be able to
• can
• could
• may
• might
• to be allowed to
• to manage to

Pouvoir can have different meanings depending on tense and mood - see All about pouvoir for details.


Expressions with pouvoir

pouvoir bien (avoir raison, e.g.)
could very well (be correct)

pouvoir ne pas + infinitive
to not have to, not be obliged to

n'en pouvoir plus
- to have had it, be worn out, not be able to take any more
- (informal) to be pleased as punch

n'en pouvoir plus de + infinitive
to be fed up with, not be able to bear ___ing

n'en pouvoir plus de + noun
to be beside oneself with (joy, fear, anger, etc)


ça ne se peut pas (informal)
that's impossible

ça se peut (informal)
maybe, perhaps

C'est on ne peut mieux.
It couldn't be better.

comment se peut-il que...?
how can it be that...?

faire ce qu'on peut
to do what one can

Il peut (impersonal)
It may/could/might

Il peut y avoir
There may/might/could be

Il pourrait s'agir de
It could be / have to do with

Il pourrait se faire que
It may be that

Il se peut/pourrait que + subjunctive
It may be, it's possible that

J'en peux plus
I can't take (it) any more

Je n'y peux rien
There's nothing I can do about it.

On ne peut plus + adjective
It couldn't be more ___ (or ___er)

On ne peut mieux.
No one could (be, do, etc.) better.

On n'y peut rien.
It can't be helped, There's nothing we can do.

Puisse Dieu...
May God...

Puisse le ciel...
May Heaven...

Qui peut le plus peut le moins. (proverb)
He who can do more can do less.

Que puis-je pour vous ? (formal)
What can I do for you? How may I help you?

s'il se peut
if it's (at all) possible

Tu peux ! Vous pouvez !
You should be! I should say so!


le pouvoir
power, ability

peut-être
perhaps, maybe


Pouvoir conjugations