Meaning
Stating that something cannot happen or be done.
Cultural Background
Spaniards are known for their directness. Saying 'Es imposible' is not considered rude; it's considered clear communication. In Mexico, people often avoid 'Es imposible' to be more polite. They might say 'Híjole, está difícil' instead. Argentines often use 'Es imposible' with a lot of intonation and hand gestures to express dramatic disbelief or frustration. Similar to Mexico, Colombians might use 'Qué pena, pero no se puede' to soften the 'impossibility'.
Use it for drama
Don't be afraid to use '¡Es imposible!' to show you are surprised. It makes you sound more like a native speaker.
Watch the Subjunctive
Remember: 'Es imposible que' + Subjunctive. This is a very common test question!
Meaning
Stating that something cannot happen or be done.
Use it for drama
Don't be afraid to use '¡Es imposible!' to show you are surprised. It makes you sound more like a native speaker.
Watch the Subjunctive
Remember: 'Es imposible que' + Subjunctive. This is a very common test question!
Softening the blow
If you want to be more polite, add 'Me parece' (It seems to me) before 'es imposible'.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct form of the verb 'ser' in the present tense.
________ imposible abrir la puerta sin la llave.
We use the third-person singular 'Es' for impersonal expressions.
Which sentence is grammatically correct?
Select the correct option:
In Spanish, 'Es imposible' is followed directly by the infinitive.
Complete the dialogue with the most natural response.
Amigo: ¿Puedes venir a mi fiesta el lunes a las 10 de la mañana? Tú: Lo siento, ________. Tengo que trabajar.
You are stating that you cannot attend due to a conflict.
Match the situation to the correct use of 'Es imposible'.
Situation: You are trying to fit a giant sofa through a tiny door.
This describes a physical impossibility in the present.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercises________ imposible abrir la puerta sin la llave.
We use the third-person singular 'Es' for impersonal expressions.
Select the correct option:
In Spanish, 'Es imposible' is followed directly by the infinitive.
Amigo: ¿Puedes venir a mi fiesta el lunes a las 10 de la mañana? Tú: Lo siento, ________. Tengo que trabajar.
You are stating that you cannot attend due to a conflict.
Situation: You are trying to fit a giant sofa through a tiny door.
This describes a physical impossibility in the present.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
3 questionsUsually no. 'Ser' is used for impossibility because it's seen as a characteristic of the situation. However, in very informal slang, some might say 'Está imposible' to mean 'The situation is currently crazy/unmanageable'.
No, if you are explaining a technical limitation. But if you are asked to do a task, 'Sería difícil en este plazo' (It would be difficult in this timeframe) is more professional.
'Es imposible' sounds more like a logical fact, while 'No se puede' often implies that there is a rule or a physical barrier preventing it.
Related Phrases
No se puede
synonymIt can't be done
Ni hablar
similarNo way / Don't even talk about it
Es posible
contrastIt is possible
Hacer lo imposible
builds onTo do the impossible
