Spanish vocabulary · Beginner
How to Say Power in Spanish
Poder · noun · poh-DEHR
The Spanish word 'poder' means both 'power' (noun) and 'to be able to/can' (verb). As a noun, it covers political power, personal power, and authority. For electrical power, 'energía' is preferred; for physical strength, 'fuerza'; and for mechanical output, 'potencia.' This makes 'poder' one of the most versatile words in Spanish.
Pronounced poh-DEHR with stress on the final syllable. As a noun it sounds identical to the verb infinitive 'poder' (to be able).
El conocimiento te da poder para cambiar tu vida.
Knowledge gives you the power to change your life.
Power in Spanish: Quick Reference
Below are the most common Spanish words for power, with pronunciation and regional usage notes.
| Spanish | English | Pronunciation | Region / Register |
|---|---|---|---|
| poder | power | poh-DEHR | Default, widely understood |
| energía | power | electrical power | |
| fuerza | power | physical power/strength | |
| potencia | power | mechanical/technical power |
How Native Speakers Use Poder
Real example sentences across three contexts you'll actually run into.
Political context
El presidente tiene demasiado poder concentrado en sus manos.
The president has too much power concentrated in his hands.
Shows 'poder' as political authority/influence.
Ability/verb usage
No puedo creer que hayas logrado esto por ti mismo.
I can't believe you achieved this by yourself.
Demonstrates 'poder' as the verb 'can/to be able,' conjugated as 'puedo.'
Electrical power
Se fue la energía eléctrica por la tormenta.
The power went out because of the storm.
Uses 'energía eléctrica' for electrical power, as 'poder' wouldn't work here.
Avoid These Mistakes When Using Poder
Using 'poder' for electrical power
Incorrect: Se fue el poder en toda la colonia.
Correct: Se fue la luz en toda la colonia. / Se fue la energía.
Electrical power outages use 'luz' (light) or 'energía' in Spanish, not 'poder.' Saying 'se fue la luz' is the most common way to express a power outage.
Confusing 'poder' noun and verb
Incorrect: El poder hacer las cosas bien es importante. (awkward)
Correct: La capacidad de hacer las cosas bien es importante.
When you mean 'the ability/power to do something' in abstract terms, 'capacidad' or 'habilidad' is often clearer than the noun 'poder,' which might be confused with the verb.
Lock in Power Vocabulary with the Parrot Method
Why word lists alone don't stick
Memorizing a translation feels productive, but most learners forget 70% of what they studied within 48 hours. Vocabulary needs spaced repetition AND real-world exposure to transfer to long-term memory.
See Poder used by native speakers
Parrot's short-form videos feature native speakers using poder in real situations. Context-based exposure beats flashcards, you hear El conocimiento te da poder para cambiar tu vida. while watching someone live the moment, connecting meaning, sound, and rhythm at once.
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Common Questions About Power in Spanish
- When do I use 'poder' vs 'fuerza' vs 'energía'?
- Use 'poder' for authority, influence, or abstract capability; 'fuerza' for physical strength or force; and 'energía' for electrical or natural energy — each covers a different domain of what English lumps under the single word 'power.'
- How do I say 'power outage' in Spanish?
- A power outage is most commonly called 'apagón' (blackout) or expressed as 'se fue la luz' (the power went out, literally 'the light left'), with 'corte de luz' or 'corte de energía' being slightly more formal alternatives.
- Is 'poder' a noun or a verb?
- The word 'poder' functions as both a noun meaning power/authority ('el poder') and an irregular verb meaning 'to be able to' or 'can' — context and articles determine which is being used, as in 'el poder del pueblo' (noun) versus 'puedo hacerlo' (verb).