can

Core modal auxiliary verb expressing ability, possibility, permission, or polite request. Forms a paradigmatic pair with 'could' (past tense / conditional form). 'Could' extends 'can' to past ability, hypothetical situations, and more tentative/polite requests. Used across all English varieties without significant regional variation.

ruМодальный глагол, выражающий способность, возможность, разрешение или вежливую просьбу; связан с формой прошедшего времени/условного наклонения 'could'esVerbo modal que expresa capacidad, posibilidad, permiso o petición cortés; se relaciona con la forma de pasado/condicional 'could'.frVerbe modal exprimant la capacité, la possibilité, la permission ou une demande polie ; lié à la forme 'could' au passé/conditionnel.deModalverb, das Fähigkeit, Möglichkeit, Erlaubnis oder eine höfliche Bitte ausdrückt; es hat keine eigene Vergangenheitsform, stattdessen wird 'could' verwendet.ptVerbo modal que expressa capacidade, possibilidade, permissão ou pedido educado; ligado à forma do passado/condicional 'could'.zh表示能力、可能性、许可或礼貌请求的情态动词；与过去式/条件式形式 'could' 相关。arفعل مساعد يدل على القدرة أو الإمكانية أو الإذن أو الطلب المهذب، ويقابله في الماضي أو صيغة الشرط 'could'.

1. Present Ability or Capability A1 formal

   Expresses that the subject possesses the physical, mental, or learned skill to perform an action in the present or as a general truth. This is the most fundamental use of 'can', indicating inherent or acquired capacity. Contrasts with 'could' which refers to past ability or hypothetical capacity.

   • She can speak three languages fluently.
   • I can swim across the lake in under 20 minutes.
   • He can solve complex equations mentally.
   • They can work remotely from anywhere in the world.
   • Can you lift this box by yourself?

   ruСпособность или умение в настоящемesHabilidad o capacidad presentefrCapacité ou aptitude présentedeFähigkeit oder Fertigkeit in der GegenwartptHabilidade ou capacidade no presentezh现在的能力或技能arالقدرة أو الاستطاعة في الحاضر

2. General or Theoretical Possibility A2 formal

   Indicates that something is possible in principle, may happen under certain conditions, or represents a logical deduction. Used for stating facts about what is potentially true or achievable, not referring to a specific instance. Related to 'could' which expresses more tentative or conditional possibility.

   • It can get extremely cold in Siberia during winter.
   • Smoking can significantly increase the risk of heart disease.
   • Even experienced developers can make simple mistakes.
   • This software can process thousands of requests per second.
   • Children can learn languages faster than adults.

   ruОбщая или теоретическая возможностьesPosibilidad general o teóricafrPossibilité générale ou théoriquedeAllgemeine oder theoretische MöglichkeitptPossibilidade geral ou teóricazh一般或理论上的可能性arالاحتمال العام أو النظري

3. Informal Permission A1 informal

   Used to give, ask for, or deny permission in casual or informal contexts. Less formal than 'may', this usage is extremely common in everyday spoken English. 'Could' serves as a more polite or tentative alternative when requesting permission.

   • You can borrow my notes if you missed the lecture.
   • Can I use your charger for a few minutes?
   • Employees can take two 15-minute breaks during their shift.
   • Can we submit the assignment electronically?
   • You can't enter the lab without protective equipment.

   ruНеформальное разрешениеesPermiso informalfrPermission informelledeInformelle ErlaubnisptPermissão informalzh非正式许可arالإذن غير الرسمي

4. Polite Request or Offer A1 informal

   Employed to make courteous requests, offers of assistance, or suggestions in conversational English. While 'can' is acceptable, 'could' is often preferred for greater politeness or deference in formal situations. This function highlights the pragmatic flexibility of modal verbs in social interaction.

   • Can you please send me the report by Friday?
   • Can I help you carry those groceries?
   • Can we schedule a follow-up meeting next week?
   • Can you clarify what you mean by 'urgent'?
   • Can I suggest we approach the problem from a different angle?

   ruВежливая просьба или предложениеesPetición u ofrecimiento cortésfrDemande polie ou offredeHöfliche Bitte oder AngebotptPedido ou oferta educadazh礼貌请求或提议arطلب أو عرض مهذب

5. Logical Deduction (Negative) B1 formal

   In negative form 'can't' or 'cannot', expresses strong disbelief or logical impossibility based on available evidence. Used to conclude that something is virtually impossible or contradicts known facts. 'Couldn't' serves the same function for past reference or more tentative deduction.

   • That can't be John — he's currently on vacation in Spain.
   • She can't have finished the project already; it was assigned yesterday.
   • This answer can't be correct; it contradicts the basic principles.
   • They can't possibly afford such an expensive apartment on their salary.
   • He can't be serious about quitting his job without a backup plan.

   ruЛогический вывод (отрицание)esDeducción lógica negativa (imposibilidad)frDéduction logique (négatif)deLogische Folgerung (Verneinung)ptDedução lógica (negativa)zh逻辑推断（否定）arالاستنتاج المنطقي (النفي)

A noun referring to (1) a cylindrical metal or plastic container, typically sealed, used for storing food, beverages, paint, or other substances; (2) the quantity of contents held by such a container; (3) informal/slang terms for prison, toilet, buttocks, or headphones. As a noun, 'can' is countable and forms its plural regularly as 'cans'.

ruСуществительное, обозначающее металлическую или пластиковую ёмкость для хранения продуктов, напитков или других веществ, а также количество содержимого в такой ёмкости; в неформальной речи — сленговые значения: тюрьма, туалет, ягодицы, наушникиesSustantivo que designa un recipiente metálico o de plástico para almacenar alimentos, bebidas u otras sustancias, así como la cantidad de contenido en dicho recipiente; en lenguaje informal también puede referirse a la cárcel, el baño, los glúteos o los auriculares.frNom désignant un récipient en métal ou en plastique pour conserver des aliments, des boissons ou d'autres substances, ainsi que la quantité de contenu dans ce récipient ; en langage familier, il peut aussi désigner une prison, des toilettes, les fesses ou des écouteurs.deSubstantiv, das einen metallenen oder kunststoffenen Behälter zur Aufbewahrung von Lebensmitteln, Getränken oder anderen Stoffen bezeichnet, sowie die Menge des Inhalts eines solchen Behälters; in der Umgangssprache auch abwertend oder salopp für Gefängnis, Toilette, Gesäß oder Kopfhörer.ptSubstantivo que designa um recipiente metálico ou plástico para armazenar alimentos, bebidas ou outras substâncias, bem como a quantidade contida nesse recipiente; em linguagem informal, também tem sentidos de gíria: prisão, banheiro, nádegas.zh名词，指金属或塑料制成的容器，用于盛放食品、饮料或其他物质，也可指这样一个容器所装的量；非正式用语中还有俚语含义：监狱、厕所、臀部、耳机。arاسم يدل على وعاء معدني أو بلاستيكي يُستخدم لحفظ الطعام أو الشراب أو غير ذلك من المواد، وكذلك على كمية ما يحتويه هذا الوعاء؛ وفي الاستعمال العامي له معانٍ أخرى مثل السجن ودورة المياه والمقعدة وسماعات الأذن.

1. Metal or plastic container A2 formal

   A usually cylindrical receptacle, typically made of metal (such as tinplate) or plastic, designed to store food, beverages, paint, oil, or other substances. Often hermetically sealed for preservation, or equipped with a removable lid, spout, or spray mechanism. Common examples include soda cans, paint cans, oil cans, and watering cans.

   • She opened a can of beans for dinner.
   • He bought a new watering can for his garden.
   • The artist used a spray can to create graffiti.
   • Please recycle empty cans after use.
   • They stored the paint in a tightly sealed can.

   ruБанка, ёмкость, контейнерesEnvase metálico o de plásticofrRécipient métallique ou plastiquedeDose, Kanister, BehälterptLata, recipiente, vasilhazh罐子，容器，罐arعُلبة، صفيحة، حاوية

   Synonyms: canistercontainerreceptacletintin canvessel

2. Quantity of contents in a can B1 informal culinary

   The amount or volume of substance contained within a single can. Used as a unit of measurement in informal contexts, especially when referring to beverages or food portions.

   • We drank a can of soda each during the movie.
   • The recipe calls for one can of coconut milk.
   • He ate two cans of tuna for lunch.
   • She poured a can of paint into the tray.
   • A can of soup is usually enough for one serving.

   ruСодержимое банки, порцияesContenido de una latafrContenu d'une boîte de conservedeDoseninhalt, PortionptConteúdo da lata, porçãozh一罐的量arمحتوى العلبة، حصة

   Synonyms: canful

3. Prison (slang) C1 slang american

   Informal slang term for prison or jail, often used in the phrase 'the can'. Primarily found in American English informal speech and popular culture.

   • He spent three years in the can for fraud.
   • The cops threw him in the can overnight.
   • After the trial, she was worried he'd end up in the can.
   • Old movies often show characters escaping from the can.
   • He promised never to go back to the can again.

   ruТюрьма, кутузка, обезьянник (сленг)esCárcel (jerga)frPrison (argot)deKnast (Slang)ptCadeia, prisão (gíria)zh监狱（俚语）arالسِّجْن (عامية)

   Synonyms: clinkcoolerhoosegowjointjuglockuppenpokeyslammerstir

4. Toilet (slang) B2 slang american

   Informal slang term for a toilet or bathroom, typically used in the phrase 'the can'. Common in casual American English, especially among younger speakers.

   • Excuse me, where's the can in this building?
   • He locked himself in the can for twenty minutes.
   • The restaurant's can was out of order.
   • She freshened up in the can before the meeting.
   • Is there a can I can use before we leave?

   ruТуалет, уборная, сортир (сленг)esRetrete, lavabo (coloquial)frtoilettes (familier)deToilette, Klo (umgangssprachlich)ptBanheiro, privada, vaso (gíria)zh厕所，卫生间（俚语）arالمرحاض (عامية)

   Synonyms: bathroomcrapperheadjohnloopottyrestroomthronetoiletwashroom

5. Buttocks (vulgar slang) C2 slang american

   Very informal, somewhat vulgar slang term for the buttocks or rear end. Often appears in phrases like 'kick in the can'. Used primarily in casual or humorous contexts.

   • He slipped on the ice and landed right on his can.
   • The comedian joked about getting a kick in the can.
   • After the long bike ride, my can was sore.
   • She sat down carefully because her can was bruised.
   • The coach told the player to move his can faster.

   ruЯгодицы, задница, зад (грубый сленг)esTrasero (vulgar)frDerrière (vulgaire)deHintern, Arsch (vulgärer Slang)ptBunda, traseiro, nádegas (gíria vulgar)zh屁股（粗俗俚语）arالأرداف (عامية سوقية)

   Synonyms: arseassbehindbumbuttderriereduffkeisterrearrumptush

6. Headphones (slang) B2 slang IT

   Informal slang term for headphones, almost always used in the plural form 'cans'. Common among musicians, audio engineers, and in casual tech-related conversation.

   • The DJ adjusted his cans before starting the set.
   • I need a new pair of cans for recording vocals.
   • She handed me her spare cans so I could listen.
   • These studio cans have excellent noise isolation.
   • He forgot his cans at home and couldn't practice.

   ruНаушники (сленг)esAuriculares (jerga)frcasque audio (familier)deKopfhörer (Slang)ptFones de ouvido (gíria)zh耳机（俚语）arسماعات الرأس (عامية)

• cans plural form
• cans' possessive plural form
• can's possessive singular form

A regular English verb meaning to preserve food or other substances by sealing them in airtight containers (typically metal cans), or informally to dismiss someone from employment, to stop an activity, or to discard something. This lexical verb is distinct from the modal auxiliary 'can' expressing ability or permission.

ruГлагол, означающий консервирование, помещение в банку, увольнение или прекращение чего-либоesVerbo que significa envasar o conservar alimentos en latas o frascos, despedir a alguien de su empleo, o detener o cancelar algo.frVerbe signifiant mettre en conserve dans une boîte ou un bocal, licencier quelqu'un, ou arrêter/interrompre quelque chose.deVerb, das bedeutet, etwas in Dosen oder Gläser haltbar zu machen, jemanden zu entlassen oder etwas zu beenden bzw. wegzuwerfen.ptVerbo que significa conservar alimentos em latas ou vidros, demitir alguém ou encerrar/abandonar algo.zh动词，指把食物装罐保存，也指解雇或终止、停止某事。arفعل إنجليزي يعني وضع الطعام في علب محكمة الإغلاق لحفظه، أو إنهاء عمل شخص بطرده من وظيفته، أو إيقاف شيء أو إنهائه نهائيًا.

1. To preserve food by sealing in airtight containers B1 formal culinary

   To preserve food, beverages, or other perishable substances by processing them and sealing them in airtight containers, typically metal cans or glass jars, to prevent spoilage and extend shelf life.

   • My grandmother cans tomatoes every summer from her garden harvest.
   • The factory cans over 10,000 servings of soup per hour.
   • Learn how to can peaches properly to enjoy them year-round.
   • They canned the surplus fruit before winter arrived.
   • Commercial canning involves high-temperature sterilization to ensure safety.

   ruКонсервировать, заготавливать впрокesEnlatarfrmettre en conservedeKonservieren, haltbar machenptConservar em latas ou vidroszh罐藏，装罐保存arحفظ الأطعمة بالتعبئة والتعليب

   Synonyms: bottlejarpreserveput uptin

2. To put something into a can or container B2 formal technical

   To place a substance, product, or item into a can, tin, or similar sealed container for storage, transport, or sale, regardless of whether preservation is the primary goal.

   • The brewery cans its craft beer in aluminum containers for distribution.
   • Workers can the paint in one-liter tins before shipping.
   • They decided to can the product in eco-friendly recyclable packaging.
   • The company cans its energy drinks in sleek, modern designs.
   • After mixing, can the solution immediately to maintain its potency.

   ruПомещать в банку, упаковывать в таруesenvasar en latafrmettre en boîtedeIn Dosen abfüllen, in Behälter füllenptColocar em lata ou recipientezh装罐，装罐保存arوضع في علبة أو عبوة محكمة

   Synonyms: packagetin

3. To dismiss someone from employment (informal/slang) C1 slang american business

   To terminate someone's employment; to fire or discharge a person from their job. This usage is informal and primarily found in American English.

   • After the third warning, the manager canned him for repeated tardiness.
   • The company canned fifty employees during the restructuring.
   • If you keep missing deadlines, they'll can you without hesitation.
   • He got canned last week for violating company policy.
   • The new CEO canned the entire marketing team on her first day.

   ruУвольнять, выгонять с работы (разг.)esDespedir del trabajo (informal)frLicencier (familier)deJemanden entlassen, feuern (ugs.)ptDemitir, mandar embora (informal)zh解雇，炒鱿鱼（口语）arطرد من العمل (عامية)

   Synonyms: axebootfirelet gopink slipsack

   Antonyms: employhire

4. To stop, abandon, or discard something (informal/slang) B2 slang

   To cease an activity, abandon a plan, or throw something away; to put an end to something decisively. This informal usage is common in spoken English.

   • Let's can this discussion and move on to more important matters.
   • They canned the project after realizing it was too expensive.
   • Just can the idea—it's never going to work.
   • He canned his old phone and bought the latest model.
   • The director canned the scene because it didn't fit the film's tone.

   ruПрекращать, отбрасывать, закрывать (разг.)esDescartar, abandonar, desecharfrLarguer, abandonnerdeAufgeben, abbrechen, wegwerfen (ugs.)ptParar, abandonar, descartar (informal)zh停止，放弃，丢掉（口语）arالتوقف عن الشيء أو التخلي عنه (عامي)

   Synonyms: axecancelditchdropdumpjunkkillnixscraptrash

• canned past participle
• canned past simple
• canning present participle
• cans third person singular