Signification
Used to state that something cannot be done.
Contexte culturel
Directly saying 'No' can sometimes be seen as rude. Using 'Shakya nahi' softens the blow by suggesting that you want to help, but external factors are stopping you. In the IT sector, 'Shakya nahi' is the standard way to push back on deadlines without appearing uncooperative. In villages, people might use 'जमणार नाही' more often, but 'Shakya nahi' is used when talking to officials or doctors to show respect. Famous writers like Pu La Deshpande used this phrase to highlight the humorous struggles of the middle class against the 'impossible' bureaucracy.
The 'Mala' Rule
Always pair 'Shakya nahi' with 'Mala' (to me) to sound like a native speaker.
Don't over-negate
Avoid saying 'Ashakya nahi' unless you mean 'It's not impossible'.
Signification
Used to state that something cannot be done.
The 'Mala' Rule
Always pair 'Shakya nahi' with 'Mala' (to me) to sound like a native speaker.
Don't over-negate
Avoid saying 'Ashakya nahi' unless you mean 'It's not impossible'.
Softening the Blow
Add 'क्षमस्व' (Sorry) before the phrase to be extra polite.
Tense Matters
Use 'Shakya navhte' for past excuses to sound more natural.
Teste-toi
Fill in the correct dative form of 'I' (me).
____ आज येणे शक्य नाही.
In Marathi, phrases like 'possible' or 'impossible' require the dative case (मला) for the subject.
Which sentence correctly says 'It was not possible'?
Choose the past tense version:
'नव्हते' is the past negative form of 'होते' (was).
Complete the dialogue politely.
A: तुम्ही मला मदत कराल का? B: क्षमस्व, पण मला आता ____.
'शक्य नाही' is the most natural and polite way to decline a request for help.
Match the phrase to the situation.
You are at a shop and the item is out of stock. The shopkeeper says:
'देणे' means 'to give'. The shopkeeper cannot give it to you.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Shakya Nahi vs Ashakya
Banque d exercices
4 exercices____ आज येणे शक्य नाही.
In Marathi, phrases like 'possible' or 'impossible' require the dative case (मला) for the subject.
Choose the past tense version:
'नव्हते' is the past negative form of 'होते' (was).
A: तुम्ही मला मदत कराल का? B: क्षमस्व, पण मला आता ____.
'शक्य नाही' is the most natural and polite way to decline a request for help.
You are at a shop and the item is out of stock. The shopkeeper says:
'देणे' means 'to give'. The shopkeeper cannot give it to you.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsNo, it is actually more polite than a simple 'Nahi' because it implies situational constraints.
Yes, 'मला पोहणे शक्य नाही' is correct, though 'मला पोहता येत नाही' (I don't know how to swim) is more common for skills.
'Shakya nahi' means 'not possible' (situational), while 'Ashakya' means 'impossible' (absolute).
You can say 'कधीच शक्य होणार नाही'.
Yes, it is very appropriate for discussing limitations or availability in a professional way.
No, 'Shakya' is an adjective that stays the same regardless of who is speaking.
In slang, people often shorten it or use 'विषय हार्ड आहे' (The subject is hard), but 'Shakya nahi' is still understood.
Yes! You can say 'शक्यच नाही!' with emphasis to mean 'No way!' or 'I don't believe it!'
The opposite is 'शक्य आहे' (It is possible).
No, using 'Mi' sounds like 'I am not possible'. Use 'Mala'.
Expressions liées
अशक्य
synonymImpossible
जमणार नाही
similarWon't be able to manage
होणार नाही
similarWon't happen
शक्य आहे
contrastIt is possible
कदाचित शक्य आहे
builds onMaybe it's possible
शक्य तितक्या लवकर
specialized formAs soon as possible
