puwede
puwéde with stress marks
can; may; possible
Usage Note
Puwede comes from Spanish 'puede' (he/she can) and is one of the most frequently used words in everyday Tagalog, expressing possibility or permission. It functions as a modal: 'puwede ba?' (is it okay?/can I?) is an extremely common polite request. Its opposite is 'hindi puwede' (not allowed/not possible).
Examples
" Puwede ba akong sumama? "
Natural Translation
Can I come along?
Literal Translation
Can question I come-along?
" Puwede ba silang humiram ng aklat? "
Natural Translation
Can they borrow a book?
Literal Translation
Can question they-to borrow of book?
" Puwede kang mangutang ngayon, ngunit kailangan mong tandaan na may obligasyon kang bayaran ito sa takdang panahon. "
Natural Translation
You can borrow money now, but you have to remember you're obligated to pay it back on time.
Literal Translation
Can you borrow-money now, but need you remember that have obligation you pay this in set time.
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