The Latin verb possum, posse means “to be able.” It is a compound of the verb sum, esse (“to be”), which you already know. The chart below shows both sum and possum so you can compare the two.
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sum, esse |
possum, posse |
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Singular |
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1st person |
sum = I am |
possum = I am able |
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2nd person |
es = you are |
potes = you are able |
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3rd person |
est = he, she or it is |
potest = he, she or it is able |
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Plural |
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1st person |
sumus = we are |
possumus = we are able |
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2nd person |
estis = y'all are |
potestis = y'all are able |
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3rd person |
sunt = they are |
possunt = they are able |
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Usually, possum will be followed by a complementary infinitive (see chapter IV). For example:
Possum currere . I am able to run.
Possunt dicere . They are able to speak.
The following story contains several examples of the use of this verb.