could

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could /ˈkʊd/ /kəd/ verb

could

/ˈkʊd/ /kəd/

verb

Learner's definition of COULD

[modal verb]

— used as the past tense of can能够，可以，会（用作can的过去式）

When I was younger I could run fast, but I can't run fast now.我年轻时能跑得很快，但现在不行了。
Years ago you could buy a record album for a quarter.多年前，花上二十五美分就能买到一张唱片。
The car cost more than I could afford, so I bought a cheaper model.这款车的价格超出了我的支付能力，所以我买了较便宜的一款。
From where we stood, we could see for miles.从我们所站的位置，我们能够远眺数英里。
She could be very rude at times. [=she was sometimes very rude]她有时会很粗鲁。
He never could quite fit in with the group.他从来没能融入这个团队。
She said we could do whatever we wanted. [=she said, “You can do whatever you want.”]她说我们想干什么都可以。
How could something like this happen?怎么会发生这种事？

Usage see: can

a — used to say that something is possible可能，也许（用于表示某事可能会发生）

You could [=might, may] be making the biggest mistake of your life!你可能会犯下你一生最大的错误！
This could be our only chance to get out of here.这可能是我们离开这里的唯一机会。
His recovery could take months.他的康复可能需要数月的时间。
This medicine could help your cold.这种药也许能治疗你的感冒。
The evidence is not conclusive, but he could (very well) be right.虽然证据并不确凿，但他很可能是对的。
This news could mean trouble.这条新闻可能会引起麻烦。
Did you think he could still be alive?你认为他有没有可能还活着？
That kind of thing could happen to anyone.那种事情有可能发生在任何人身上。
They could still succeed, although it's not likely.虽然他们成功的可能性不大，但还是有可能的。
I think he could be trying to cheat us.我认为他可能会试图欺骗我们。
Do you think he could [=can] really be serious?你认为他会动真格的吗？
Could this be our ride? [=is this our ride?]这是我们要搭的车吗？

b — used with have to say that something was possible but did not actually happen本可能，差点就（与have连用，表示某事本可能发生但实际上未发生）

c — used to talk about something that is not possible but that is hoped or wished for要是能…就好了（用于表示希望某事发生，尽管实际上不可能）

We would go if only we could—but unfortunately we can't.要是能去，我们就会去，但遗憾的是我们去不了。
We would have gone if only we could have—but unfortunately we couldn't.要是能去，我们就去了，但遗憾的是我们去不了。
I wish I could fly! = (formal) Would that I could fly!真希望我能飞起来！

— used in speech to make a polite request or suggestion能否，可不可以（用于口语，表示礼貌地提出请求或建议）

Could you please pass me the salt?请把盐递给我好吗？
Could [=Can] I leave a little early today?我今天早点儿走行吗？
If you could come early, we would be pleased.如果您能早点儿来，我们会很高兴。
“Could I do it tomorrow instead of today?” “Yes, you can.”“我今天不做明天再做，行吗？”“可以。”
Could I get you a cup of coffee? [=do you want a cup of coffee?]您要喝杯咖啡吗？
If tape doesn't work, you could try glue.如果胶带不行，您可以试试用胶水。
“Where can I stay?” “Well, you could always stay with me.”“我住哪儿？”“嗯，你随时可以和我住。”

— used to say that you are annoyed by something that was or was not done本该，应该（用于对做过或未做某事表示恼怒）

He could have at least paid for dessert!他至少该把甜点钱付了嘛！
Why are you always late? You could try being on time for once!你为什么总是迟到？你试着准时一回总可以嘛！
If she wasn't going to make it, she could have called.如果她不打算出席，也该打个电话呀。
You could at least tell me why you were late!你至少应该告诉我你为什么迟到！

— used in statements that express a strong emotional reaction真想（用于表达强烈的情感）

I could have died of embarrassment! [=I was very embarrassed]我窘得要死！
I could just kill him! [=I am very angry at him]我真想杀了他！
When she told me I'd won, I could almost have hugged her! [=I felt like hugging her]当她告诉我我赢了的时候，我真想拥抱她！
I'm so frustrated I could scream! [=I feel like screaming]我沮丧透了，真想大喊大叫！

— used in statements that describe something as very bad, good, etc.不能更…了（用于表示某事很好、很差等）

What could be better than this?还有什么会比这个更好呢？
Registering could not be simpler. [=registering is very simple]注册简直太简单了。
I could hardly be more pleased [=I'm very pleased] with the way things are going.我对事态的发展非常满意。
The situation couldn't be worse/better. [=the situation is as bad/good as it can be]情况糟透/好极了。
I couldn't be happier [=I'm very happy] with the way our new kitchen looks.我简直太喜欢我们新厨房的样子了。

could care less

— see ²care

◊ If you could do with something, you need it or would be helped by getting or having it.需要；想要

Is there a restaurant nearby? I could do with something to eat.附近有饭馆吗？我想要吃点东西。
This room could do with a fresh coat of paint.这房间需要新刷一遍漆。