Is the difference between these two the same/similar as in English? In other other words, "Can" and "Could" are commonly used interchangeably, but purists will argue that "Can" indicates ability, whereas "Could" is more often a request, but in some cases a hypothetical.
As a BRAND NEW french learner, does it matter if I just pick the easier one to say, for now, and then as I get more advanced, broaden my repertoire? And if this is fine, which one should I pick that will be more universal?
Pourriez-vous ouvrir la fenêtre?
OR
Pouvez-vous ouvrir la fenêtre?
Thank you!