learn the Italian language with Italian culture

‘Can’ seems a very simple word in English, but it actually has a number of different meanings which are expressed differently in Italian:

Permission:
use the verb potere
posso aprire la finestra? (can I open the window?)
lei non puo’ venire (she can’t come)
loro possono arrivare alle 8 (they can arrive at 8pm)

Ability
use the verb sapere (to know) for a general ability
so guidare (I can drive)
sai ballare? (Can you dance?)
non sanno scrivere (they can’t write)
or use the verb riuscire for a specific task
riesci a farlo? (Can you do it?)
non riesco a leggere, e’ troppo buio (I can’t read, it’s too dark)