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Translate these Spanish

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robbie007
September 12, 2016, 03:19 AM
I have the following three English phrases:

* I am able to identify him.
* I was able to identify him.
* I identified him.

How would someone in Mexico translate each phrase into Spanish? I have a feeling that the last two sentences will almost be similar, if not identical, when translated into Spanish, but I want to be sure.

Thanks!

wrholt
September 12, 2016, 06:49 AM
These are not specifically Mexican; my take on each one:

1. I am able to identify him = Puedo identificarlo.

2. I was able to identify him: there are (at least) two possible translations, each with a different meaning.

a. Podía identificarlo = I was able to (had the capacity to) identify him.

b. Pude identificarlo = I was able to identify him (I did that successfully on a specific occasion.)

3. I identified him: there are at least 2 possible translations, each with a different meaning.

a. Lo identifiqué = I identified him (on specified occasions).

b. Lo identificaba = I identified him (habitually or regularly).