он умел

he knew how to

→ он

phrase Rare #48,023

he knew how to Used with an infinitive to describe a man's ability or skill, often in the past. It can also mean “he was able to” or “he knew how to” depending on context.

RU: Он умел хорошо плавать.

EN: He knew how to swim well.

Он умел доставать деньги из карманов.

He knew how to get money out of pockets.

— М убийца (1931)

А он умел отбивать?

And did he know how to return the ball?

— Поле чудес (1989)

Он умел говорить по-французски.

He could speak French.

Он умел предвидеть неприятности.

He knew how to foresee trouble.

— Таинственная река (2003)