could, were able to, might be able to
Si tan solo yo pudiera hablar francés.
If only I could speak French.
If only I could speak English!
Fue una pena que Tom no pudiera venir a nuestra fiesta.
It was a shame that Tom couldn't come to our party.
Es una enorme lástima que tu esposa no pudiera venir.
It’s such a shame that your wife couldn’t come.
No parecía algo que pudiera funcionar al principio —.
It didn’t seem like something that could work at first—.
Si se le diera otra oportunidad, él lo haría lo mejor que pudiera.
If he were given another chance, he would do the best he could.
Tu película para adultos terminó antes de que pudiera empezar.
Your adult film ended before it could even begin.
— Queen (2014)
No creo que pudiera soportar pasar seis horas contigo a solas.
I don't think I could stand spending six hours alone with you.
Me pregunto si Tom pudiera ayudarnos.
I wonder if Tom could help us.
Pudiera darnos una idea de lo que necesitamos.
You could give us an idea of what we need.
— Hoy Quiero Volver Solito (2014)
¿Crees que yo pudiera tener todas esas cualidades?
Do you think I could have all those qualities?
— Diva (1981)
Sé que son cosas personales, pero quizá pudiera ayudar, si supiera cómo.
I know these are personal matters, but perhaps I could help, if I knew how.
— Running on Empty (1988)
Tom no podía creer que María pudiera ser tan tonta.
Tom couldn't believe that María could be so stupid.