Meaning
Used to express inability to do something.
Cultural Background
In Mexico, people often use 'No puedo' followed by a soft 'ahorita' (right now) to imply they might be able to later. Spaniards might be more direct with 'No puedo' but often add 'es que...' to provide a justification. Argentines might use 'No me da' as a colloquial synonym for 'No puedo'.
Add a reason
Always add a short reason after 'No puedo' to sound more natural.
Don't lie
Be careful using this to avoid plans, as it can be seen as a 'polite lie'.
Meaning
Used to express inability to do something.
Add a reason
Always add a short reason after 'No puedo' to sound more natural.
Don't lie
Be careful using this to avoid plans, as it can be seen as a 'polite lie'.
Use 'Lo siento'
Combine with 'Lo siento' for maximum politeness.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence: '____ ir al parque hoy.'
No puedo
The context implies inability to go.
Which is correct?
Choose the natural way to say 'I can't eat'.
Direct object follows the verb.
Match the phrase to its meaning.
No puedo
Direct translation.
Complete the dialogue.
A: ¿Puedes ayudarme? B: ____.
Appropriate response to a request.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesNo puedo
The context implies inability to go.
Choose the natural way to say 'I can't eat'.
Direct object follows the verb.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
Direct translation.
A: ¿Puedes ayudarme? B: ____.
Appropriate response to a request.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
8 questionsNo, but it can be blunt. Add 'Lo siento' to soften it.
Yes, it is perfectly acceptable in professional settings.
It is a stem-changing verb pattern in Spanish.
Yes, it is universally understood.
Use 'No pude' (past tense).
Say 'No puedo hacerlo'.
It is neutral. Use 'No me es posible' for formal.
Yes, it is very common.
Related Phrases
No quiero
contrastI don't want to
No sé
similarI don't know
No me es posible
specialized formIt is not possible for me
