En 15 secondes
- Use it to decline any invitation for the current day.
- Change 'sakta' to 'sakti' if you are female.
- Works for both casual texts and professional conversations.
Signification
This is your go-to phrase for declining an invitation or canceling plans. It simply tells someone that your presence isn't possible today.
Exemples clés
3 sur 6Declining a lunch invite from a friend
माफ़ करना, मैं आज नहीं आ सकता।
Sorry, I can't come today.
Texting a group about a cricket match
भाई, मैं आज नहीं आ सकता, बहुत काम है।
Brother, I can't come today, there's a lot of work.
A female student telling her teacher she can't attend class
सर, मैं आज नहीं आ सकती, मेरी तबीयत ठीक नहीं है।
Sir, I can't come today, I am not feeling well.
Contexte culturel
In Indian culture, 'Atithi Devo Bhava' (The guest is God) is a core value, making it sometimes difficult for people to say a direct 'no'. Using this phrase is a modern, acceptable way to set boundaries while maintaining social harmony. It is often followed by a vague reason to keep the interaction polite.
The Gender Switch
Always remember: men say 'Sakta', women say 'Sakti'. If you get this wrong, people will still understand you, but it sounds funny!
Don't be too blunt
Just saying the phrase alone can sound a bit cold. Always wrap it in a 'Sorry' or give a tiny reason to keep the friendship warm.
En 15 secondes
- Use it to decline any invitation for the current day.
- Change 'sakta' to 'sakti' if you are female.
- Works for both casual texts and professional conversations.
What It Means
आज नहीं आ सकता is a straightforward way to say you can't make it. The word आज means today. नहीं means no or not. आ सकता translates to 'can come'. Put it together and you have a polite refusal. It is clear and direct. You are letting someone know your schedule is full. It is a very common phrase in daily life.
How To Use It
You use this when someone asks you to meet. It works for parties, meetings, or casual hangouts. If you are male, you say सकता (sakta). If you are female, you must say सकती (sakti). This small change is very important in Hindi. You can add a reason after it if you want. Or you can just leave it as is. It is versatile and handy.
When To Use It
Use it when a friend texts you to grab chai. Use it when a colleague asks for an impromptu meeting. It is perfect for those days when you are just too tired. It works well in text messages. It also works well in face-to-face conversations. If you are running late and realize you won't make it at all, say this. It saves everyone a lot of waiting time.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use this for events far in the future. If the party is next week, use उस दिन (that day) instead. Avoid using it without a 'sorry' in very formal settings. Just saying आज नहीं आ सकता to your boss might sound a bit blunt. It could seem like you are avoiding work. In those cases, add a polite माफ़ कीजिये (forgive me) at the start. Also, don't use it if you actually *can* come but are just being shy!
Cultural Background
In India, plans are often flexible and spontaneous. People might invite you over just an hour before dinner. Because of this, आज नहीं आ सकता is used constantly. Indians value hospitality, so declining can sometimes feel awkward. Adding a small reason like 'busy with family' is common. It softens the blow of the refusal. It shows you value the relationship even if you can't show up.
Common Variations
You might hear आज नहीं आ पाऊँगा for 'I won't be able to come'. This sounds slightly more formal and certain. Friends might just say आज नहीं हो पाएगा which means 'It won't happen today'. If you want to be very casual, just say आज मुश्किल है (Today is difficult). All of these convey the same basic message. They all help you manage your social battery effectively.
Notes d'usage
The phrase is neutral and widely used. The most important thing to remember is the gender agreement (Sakta vs Sakti) and adding a polite prefix in formal situations.
The Gender Switch
Always remember: men say 'Sakta', women say 'Sakti'. If you get this wrong, people will still understand you, but it sounds funny!
Don't be too blunt
Just saying the phrase alone can sound a bit cold. Always wrap it in a 'Sorry' or give a tiny reason to keep the friendship warm.
The 'Indian Stretchable Time'
Sometimes people say 'I'm coming' when they actually mean 'I can't come'. Using this phrase clearly makes you much more reliable than the average person!
Exemples
6माफ़ करना, मैं आज नहीं आ सकता।
Sorry, I can't come today.
Adding 'Sorry' makes it sound much friendlier.
भाई, मैं आज नहीं आ सकता, बहुत काम है।
Brother, I can't come today, there's a lot of work.
Using 'Bhai' (brother) is very common among male friends.
सर, मैं आज नहीं आ सकती, मेरी तबीयत ठीक नहीं है।
Sir, I can't come today, I am not feeling well.
Note the change to 'sakti' for a female speaker.
आज नहीं आ सकता, घर पर मेहमान आए हैं।
I can't come today, guests have arrived at home.
The classic 'guests at home' excuse is a cultural staple.
मुझे दुख है कि मैं आज नहीं आ सकता।
I am sad that I cannot come today.
Expressing sadness adds emotional weight to the refusal.
मैं आज मीटिंग के लिए नहीं आ सकता।
I cannot come for the meeting today.
Direct and professional for business contexts.
Teste-toi
If you are a woman declining an invite, which word should you use?
मैं आज नहीं आ ___।
In Hindi, verbs must match the gender of the speaker. 'Sakti' is the feminine form.
Complete the sentence to say 'Sorry, I can't come today.'
___, मैं आज नहीं आ सकता।
'Maaf karna' means 'Sorry' or 'Forgive me', which is the polite way to start a refusal.
🎉 Score : /2
Aides visuelles
Formality Scale of Refusal
Used with close friends or siblings.
आज नहीं आ पाऊँगा यार।
Standard way to say it to anyone.
आज नहीं आ सकता।
Used with elders or bosses.
क्षमा कीजिये, मैं आज नहीं आ पाऊँगा।
Where to use 'Aaj nahi aa sakta'
Coffee with friends
I'm too tired.
Office Meeting
Stuck in traffic.
Family Dinner
Working late.
Gym Session
Feeling lazy.
Banque d exercices
2 exercicesमैं आज नहीं आ ___।
In Hindi, verbs must match the gender of the speaker. 'Sakti' is the feminine form.
___, मैं आज नहीं आ सकता।
'Maaf karna' means 'Sorry' or 'Forgive me', which is the polite way to start a refusal.
🎉 Score : /2
Questions fréquentes
10 questions'Aaj' means 'Today'. If you want to say tomorrow, you would use कल (Kal).
Not inherently, but it depends on your tone. Adding माफ़ कीजिये (Maaf kijiye) at the start makes it very polite.
Simply swap 'Aaj' for 'Kal'. It becomes कल नहीं आ सकता (Kal nahi aa sakta).
Yes, but in a formal email, it is better to say मैं आज आने में असमर्थ हूँ (I am unable to come today).
सकता means 'can', while पाऊँगा means 'will be able to'. The latter sounds a bit more certain and formal.
In casual speech, you can drop the मैं (Main). Just saying आज नहीं आ सकता is perfectly fine.
You can say मैं बीमार हूँ, इसलिए आज नहीं आ सकता (I am sick, therefore I can't come today).
Yes! If you are speaking for a group, say हम आज नहीं आ सकते (Hum aaj nahi aa sakte).
Use the respectful version: मैं आज नहीं आ पाऊँगा, क्षमा करें (I won't be able to come today, please forgive me).
Yes, it works for both. It covers physical movement to any destination.
Expressions liées
कल मिलेंगे
See you tomorrow
देर हो जाएगी
I will be late
रास्ते में हूँ
I am on the way
क्या हम कल मिल सकते हैं?
Can we meet tomorrow?
