Vouloir and pouvoir — wanting and being able
CEFR A1
Both are followed directly by an infinitive — no word in between.
| vouloir (to want) | pouvoir (to be able / can) | |
|---|---|---|
| je | veux | peux |
| tu | veux | peux |
| il / elle | veut | peut |
| nous | voulons | pouvons |
| vous | voulez | pouvez |
| ils / elles | veulent | peuvent |
Je voudrais is the polite form of je veux, and it is the one to use when ordering or asking for something. "Je veux un café" is blunt; "Je voudrais un café, s'il vous plaît" is what you actually say.
More examples: "Je voudrais réserver une table." (I'd like to book a table.) · "Tu peux répéter ?" (Can you repeat?) · "Nous voulons partir." (We want to leave.)
What this unlocks
Knowing the rule is not the same as producing it.
This page explains the pattern. The track drills it: the point arrives inside a mini-dialogue, then production marked against a CEFR descriptor, then a module test that returns you to your two weakest sessions if you miss it.