Can express ability and inability to do things
Use 'consigo' and 'não consigo' for ability
Vocabulary
Consigo... — I can...
Consigo falar um pouco de português.
I can speak a little Portuguese.Não consigo... — I can't...
Não consigo encontrar o telefone.
I can't find the phone.Sei... / Não sei... — I know
Sei nadar.
I know how to swim.
Grammar
Consigo vs. Sei for ability
'Consigo' expresses physical/logistical ability: 'Consigo abrir a porta.' 'Sei' expresses learned knowledge/skill: 'Sei cozinhar.' Both are common at A1.
- Consigo chegar a tempo. (I can arrive on time.)
- Sei usar o computador. (I know how to use the computer.)
Cultural notes
Portuguese speakers often soften ability statements. Consigo is more common in everyday speech than the modal verb posso in ability contexts.