Learning language
Translation language
modal verb

мочь

can

Meaning of мочь

Русский

быть в состоянии что-то сделать

English

able to do something

can

Pronunciation

Russian
[ˈmot͡ɕ]
Russian (Russia)

Traps and common mistakes

Мочь or уметь?

уметь

уметь = know how, have learned a skill

Don't mix them up. A learned skill — уметь: я умею плавать; possible right now — мочь.

Моя дочь уже умеет читать.

My daughter can already read.

Сегодня я не могу плавать: болит плечо.

I can't swim today: my shoulder hurts.

мочь with English translation

мочь usage examples

🇷🇺Russian→🇬🇧English

Ты можешь помочь мне с этой коробкой?

Can you help me with this box?

🇷🇺Russian→🇬🇧English

Я могу хорошо плавать.

I can swim well.

мочь synonyms

Related word breakdowns

What's the difference between мочь, суметь, быть в состоянии, иметь возможность, and можно

С
🇷🇺Russian
суметь

To manage to do it once, often with effort.

A1often
Б
🇷🇺Russian
быть в состоянии

More formal: to be able, often about strength or money.

A1often
И
🇷🇺Russian
иметь возможность

To have the chance or the conditions.

A1often

Advanced: broader words

М
🇷🇺Russian
можно

Impersonal: it is possible or allowed; asking permission.

A1very often

Related words and lists for мочь

Questions about this word

мочь meaning: what does it mean?

able to do something

мочь pronunciation: how do you pronounce it?

мочь is pronounced as [ˈmot͡ɕ]. Audio is available on this page when the word has a recording.

мочь definition and sentence examples: how is it used in a sentence?

Can you help me with this box? Translation: Ты можешь помочь мне с этой коробкой?

Audio practiceExamplesSmart repeats

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