A2 Sentence Structure 11 min read Easy

Saying 'I Can't' in Hindi: Using `nahin` before `sak` (नहीं + सकना)

To negate ability, use the Verb Root + nahin + sakta/sakti/sakte (optionally adding the auxiliary verb).
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Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds

To say 'I can't' in Hindi, simply place 'nahin' before the verb 'sakna' (to be able to).

  • Place 'nahin' before the conjugated form of 'sakna'. Example: Main nahin ja sakta.
  • The main verb stays in its root form. Example: Main nahin kha sakta.
  • Match the gender/number of 'sakna' to the subject. Example: Woh nahin aa sakti (feminine).
Subject + nahin + [Verb Root] + sakna (conjugated)

Overview

Expressing inability or lack of permission is fundamental in any language. In Hindi, this concept is primarily conveyed through the modal auxiliary verb sakna (सकना - to be able), negated by nahin (नहीं - not). This construction allows speakers to state that they "cannot" or "are unable to" perform an action.

Understanding its precise formation and placement is crucial for clear and natural communication in Hindi.

This grammatical pattern integrates the negation particle directly with the verb expressing ability, forming a cohesive unit. It is applicable across various contexts, from physical limitations to situational constraints or absence of permission. Mastery of Verb Root + nahin + sak-form is an essential building block for A2 learners, enabling them to articulate complex ideas of capacity and restriction.

How This Grammar Works

The verb sakna (सकना) functions as a light verb or modal auxiliary in Hindi. It never stands alone but always accompanies a main verb, adding the nuance of ability or possibility to that action. When you wish to negate this ability, the particle nahin (नहीं) is placed immediately before the conjugated form of sakna (सकना), effectively negating the ability itself.
This structure creates a compound verb phrase: Main Verb Root + nahin + sak-form. The main verb provides the core action, while nahin sakna modifies that action by indicating a lack of capacity. For example, in main likh nahin sakta (मैं लिख नहीं सकता - I cannot write), likh (लिख) is the root of likhna (लिखना - to write), and nahin sakta (नहीं सकता) expresses the inability to perform that writing action.
Crucially, the sak- (सक) form agrees with the subject in gender and number, not the object. This is a defining characteristic of compound verbs in Hindi where sakna (सकना) is the primary verb governing agreement. The auxiliary verb (e.g., hoon हूँ, hai है, hain हैं) can often be omitted in informal or spoken contexts, especially in the present tense, as the meaning remains clear from the sak- (सक) form itself.
For instance, main kha nahin sakta (मैं खा नहीं सकता - I cannot eat) is perfectly natural without hoon (हूँ).
Consider the sentence vah Hindi bol nahin sakti (वह हिंदी बोल नहीं सकती - She cannot speak Hindi). Here, bol (बोल) is the root of bolna (बोलना - to speak). nahin (नहीं) negates the ability, and sakti (सकती) indicates the subject vah (वह - she) is feminine singular, demonstrating subject-verb agreement.
The ti ending on sakti reflects the feminine subject.

Word Order Rules

Hindi generally follows a Subject-Object-Verb (SOV) word order. When incorporating the nahin sakna (नहीं सकना) construction, this fundamental order is maintained, but with specific placement for the compound verb phrase. The established sequence for expressing inability in Hindi is:
Subject + (Object/Complement) + Main Verb Root + nahin (नहीं) + sak (सक) form + (Optional Auxiliary Verb)
  1. 1Subject: The person or thing performing (or failing to perform) the action.
  2. 2Object/Complement: The direct or indirect recipient of the action, if any.
  3. 3Main Verb Root: This is the core action verb, stripped of its infinitive ending -na (ना). For example, jaana (जाना - to go) becomes jaa (जा); karna (करना - to do) becomes kar (कर).
  4. 4nahin (नहीं): The negation particle, which must directly precede the sak (सक) form. This placement is non-negotiable for standard negation of ability.
  5. 5sak (सक) form: The conjugated form of sakna (सकना) that agrees with the subject in gender, number, and respect level. This is the most flexible part of the pattern, changing based on the subject.
  6. 6Optional Auxiliary Verb: In the present tense, auxiliary verbs like hoon (हूँ), ho (हो), hai (है), hain (हैं) are often omitted in informal speech after the sak (सक) form, especially when the context is clear. In the past or future tenses, they become mandatory (e.g., tha था, hoga होगा).
Example

Main itna tez daur nahin sakta hoon. (मैं इतना तेज़ दौड़ नहीं सकता हूँ - I cannot run this fast.)

  • Main (मैं - I) = Subject
  • itna tez (इतना तेज़ - this fast) = Complement
  • daur (दौड़) = Main Verb Root from daurna (दौड़ना - to run)
  • nahin (नहीं) = Negation particle
  • sakta (सकता) = sak form, masculine singular, agreeing with main (मैं)
  • hoon (हूँ) = Optional auxiliary verb
The tight unit Main Verb Root + nahin + sak-form must be maintained. Deviating from this order by placing nahin (नहीं) elsewhere often results in ungrammatical or highly emphatic, unnatural sentences. For instance, Main nahin daur sakta (मैं नहीं दौड़ सकता) places nahin before the main verb root, which is grammatically incorrect for expressing inability, though it might be understood.

Formation Pattern

1
Forming sentences with nahin (नहीं) and sakna (सकना) involves a systematic combination of the main verb root, the negation particle, and the conjugated sak (सक) form. Follow these steps:
2
Identify the Main Verb: Start with the infinitive form of the verb you wish to negate (e.g., likhna लिखना - to write, khaana खाना - to eat, bolna बोलना - to speak).
3
Extract the Verb Root: Remove the infinitive ending -na (ना) from the main verb. This gives you the pure verb root. (e.g., likh लिख, khaa खा, bol बोल).
4
Append nahin (नहीं): Immediately after the verb root, add the negation particle nahin (नहीं).
5
Conjugate sakna (सकना): Determine the correct form of sakna (सकना) based on the subject's gender, number, and level of respect. This form directly follows nahin (नहीं).
6
Here’s a table for the present tense conjugations of sakna (सकना) with nahin (नहीं), showing agreement with the subject:
7
| Subject (Pronoun) | Subject Devanagari | sak Form (Masculine Singular) | sak Form (Feminine Singular) | sak Form (Plural / Respectful) |
8
| :---------------- | :----------------- | :------------------------------ | :----------------------------- | :------------------------------- |
9
| main (I) | मैं | nahin sakta (नहीं सकता) | nahin sakti (नहीं सकती) | - |
10
| tum (you, informal) | तुम | nahin sakte (नहीं सकते) | nahin sakti (नहीं सकती) | nahin sakte (नहीं सकते) |
11
| aap (you, formal) | आप | nahin sakte (नहीं सकते) | nahin sakti (नहीं सकती) | nahin sakte (नहीं सकते) |
12
| yah / vah (he/she/it/this/that) | यह / वह | nahin sakta (नहीं सकता) | nahin sakti (नहीं सकती) | - |
13
| ham (we) | हम | nahin sakte (नहीं सकते) | nahin sakti (नहीं सकती) | nahin sakte (नहीं सकते) |
14
| ye / ve (they/these/those) | ये / वे | nahin sakte (नहीं सकते) | nahin sakti (नहीं सकती) | nahin sakte (नहीं सकते) |
15
Note on tum (तुम): While tum is informal, when speaking to a group that includes both genders, the masculine plural nahin sakte (नहीं सकते) is used. For a group of only females, nahin sakti (नहीं सकती) can be used, though nahin sakte (नहीं सकते) remains common.
16
Examples:
17
Main ab aur nahin chal sakti. (मैं अब और नहीं चल सकती। - I cannot walk anymore.) (Feminine subject main.)
18
Vah aaj kaam par nahin ja sakta. (वह आज काम पर नहीं जा सकता। - He cannot go to work today.) (Masculine subject vah.)
19
Hum yahan se nadi nahin dekh sakte. (हम यहाँ से नदी नहीं देख सकते। - We cannot see the river from here.) (Plural subject hum.)
20
Aap unse baat nahin kar sakte. (आप उनसे बात नहीं कर सकते। - You (formal) cannot talk to them.) (Respectful subject aap.)

When To Use It

The Main Verb Root + nahin + sak-form construction is versatile, covering various shades of inability and prohibition. Its usage is primarily categorized as follows:
  1. 1Physical or Mental Inability: To express a lack of physical strength, skill, or mental capacity to perform an action.
  • Main yah bhaari baksa nahin utha sakta. (मैं यह भारी बक्सा नहीं उठा सकता। - I cannot lift this heavy box.)
  • Vah jhoot nahin bol sakti. (वह झूठ नहीं बोल सकती। - She cannot lie.)
  1. 1Lack of Permission/Prohibition: To indicate that an action is not allowed, either by rules, authority, or social convention. This is a very common use case.
  • Aap bina ticket andar nahin ja sakte. (आप बिना टिकट अंदर नहीं जा सकते। - You cannot go inside without a ticket.)
  • Bachche der raat tak TV nahin dekh sakte. (बच्चे देर रात तक टीवी नहीं देख सकते। - Children cannot watch TV until late at night.)
  1. 1Circumstantial Constraints/Impossibility: When external factors or circumstances prevent an action from happening.
  • Main kal aapse nahin mil sakta, kyunki main shahar se bahar rahunga. (मैं कल आपसे नहीं मिल सकता, क्योंकि मैं शहर से बाहर रहूँगा। - I cannot meet you tomorrow, because I will be out of town.)
  • Is chhoti gaadi mein paanch log nahin baith sakte. (इस छोटी गाड़ी में पाँच लोग नहीं बैठ सकते। - Five people cannot sit in this small car.)
  1. 1Polite Refusal: While a direct nahin (नहीं) can be used, adding sakna (सकना) softens the refusal, implying a circumstance beyond one's control rather than a direct unwillingness.
  • Instead of: Main nahin aunga. (मैं नहीं आऊँगा। - I won't come.)
  • Consider: Main nahin aa sakta. (मैं नहीं आ सकता। - I cannot come.) - This implies a reason preventing attendance, making it more polite.
This pattern is central to daily conversations, whether you're declining an invitation, explaining a limitation, or stating a rule. Its adaptability makes it invaluable for clear and nuanced communication.

Common Mistakes

Learners often encounter specific pitfalls when using Main Verb Root + nahin + sak-form. Awareness of these common errors can significantly improve grammatical accuracy and naturalness.
  1. 1Incorrect Placement of nahin (नहीं): The most frequent mistake is misplacing nahin. It must directly precede the sak (सक) form. Placing it before the main verb, or after the sak (सक) form in neutral statements, is incorrect.
  • Incorrect: Main nahin Hindi bol sakta. (मैं नहीं हिंदी बोल सकता।) - Here nahin is before the object.
  • Incorrect: Main bol sakta nahin Hindi. (मैं बोल सकता नहीं हिंदी।) - This sounds emphatic and unnatural in most contexts.
  • Correct: Main Hindi bol nahin sakta. (मैं हिंदी बोल नहीं सकता। - I cannot speak Hindi.)
  1. 1Failing to Drop -na (ना) from the Main Verb Infinitive: The main verb must be in its root form (e.g., ja जा, kar कर, dekh देख). Including the infinitive suffix -na (ना) is a grammatical error.
  • Incorrect: Vah padhna nahin sakti. (वह पढ़ना नहीं सकती।)
  • Correct: Vah padh nahin sakti. (वह पढ़ नहीं सकती। - She cannot study/read.)
  1. 1Incorrect Gender/Number Agreement of sak (सक) form: Remembering that sakna (सकना) agrees with the subject is crucial. Mismatches are common, especially when the subject's gender is not immediately obvious or when speaking about a mixed group.
  • Incorrect (if subject is female): Meri behen gaa nahin sakta. (मेरी बहन गा नहीं सकता।)
  • Correct: Meri behen gaa nahin sakti. (मेरी बहन गा नहीं सकती। - My sister cannot sing.)
  • Correct (for a mixed group): Bacche shor nahin kar sakte. (बच्चे शोर नहीं कर सकते। - Children cannot make noise.)
  1. 1Confusion with Emphatic Negation: While Verb Root + sak-form + nahin is grammatically possible, it conveys strong emphasis (e.g., bol sakta nahin! - Absolutely cannot speak!). Using this emphatic form in everyday, neutral contexts will sound overly dramatic or confrontational. Reserve it for situations requiring strong emphasis or frustration.
  1. 1Over-reliance on Omission of Auxiliary Verbs in Formal Settings: While hoon (हूँ), hai (है), hain (हैं) are often dropped in casual speech, retaining them in more formal communication (e.g., business emails, official conversations) is generally advisable for completeness and politeness.

Contrast With Similar Patterns

Understanding the distinct functions of nahin sakna (नहीं सकना) in relation to other negation or modal constructions prevents common misunderstandings and misuse.
  1. 1Main Verb Root + nahin + sak-form (नहीं सकना) vs. Main Verb Root + sak-form + nahin (सकता नहीं):
  • nahin sakna (नहीं सकना): This is the standard, neutral way to express inability or lack of permission. It implies a simple statement of fact.
  • Main yeh kaam nahin kar sakta. (मैं यह काम नहीं कर सकता। - I cannot do this work.)
  • sakta nahin (सकता नहीं): This construction is highly emphatic and often conveys frustration, strong refusal, or incredulity. The negation is stressed. It is less common in neutral dialogue.
  • Main yeh kaam kar sakta nahin! (मैं यह काम कर सकता नहीं! - I absolutely cannot do this work! / There's no way I can do this work!)
  1. 1nahin (नहीं) directly negating a verb: This is used to negate a regular action, indicating that something does not happen or is not done, rather than expressing an inability.
  • Main khaana nahin khaata hoon. (मैं खाना नहीं खाता हूँ। - I do not eat food.) (Simple negation of action)
  • Main khaana kha nahin sakta hoon. (मैं खाना खा नहीं सकता हूँ। - I cannot eat food.) (Negation of ability)
  1. 1nahin chaahie (नहीं चाहिए - don't need) vs. nahin sakna (नहीं सकना - cannot):
  • nahin chaahie (नहीं चाहिए): Expresses a lack of need or desire. The subject is usually indirect (dative case with ko).
  • Mujhe paani nahin chaahie. (मुझे पानी नहीं चाहिए। - I don't need water.)
  • nahin sakna (नहीं सकना): Expresses inability or lack of permission.
  • Main paani nahin pi sakta. (मैं पानी नहीं पी सकता। - I cannot drink water.)
  1. 1Mana karna (मना करना - to forbid/refuse): This verb describes the act of forbidding or refusing something, rather than stating a personal inability. It focuses on the act of prohibition itself.
  • Usne mujhe jaane se mana kar diya. (उसने मुझे जाने से मना कर दिया। - He forbade me from going.)
  • Main abhi nahin ja sakta. (मैं अभी नहीं जा सकता। - I cannot go right now.) (Stating personal inability)
By distinguishing these patterns, learners can select the most appropriate construction for their intended meaning, enhancing clarity and precision.

Real Conversations

Observe how Main Verb Root + nahin + sak-form appears in contemporary Hindi communication, reflecting various registers and contexts.

1. Casual Conversation (Friends/Family):

- A: Hey, aaj shaam party mein aa sakta hai? (हे, आज शाम पार्टी में आ सकता है? - Hey, can you come to the party this evening?)

- B: Yaar, nahin aa sakta. Kal subah exam hai. (यार, नहीं आ सकता। कल सुबह एग्ज़ाम है। - Dude, I can't come. I have an exam tomorrow morning.)

2. Professional Context (Email/Formal Chat):

- A: Kya aap yeh report kal tak poori kar sakte hain? (क्या आप यह रिपोर्ट कल तक पूरी कर सकते हैं? - Can you complete this report by tomorrow?)

- B: Maaf kijiye, main itne kam samay mein nahin kar sakta. Kam se kam do din lagenge. (माफ़ कीजिए, मैं इतने कम समय में नहीं कर सकता। कम से कम दो दिन लगेंगे। - I apologize, I cannot do it in such short notice. It will take at least two days.)

3. Customer Service Interaction:

- Customer: Kya main is order ko cancel kar sakta hoon? (क्या मैं इस ऑर्डर को कैंसल कर सकता हूँ? - Can I cancel this order?)

- Agent: Maaf kijiye, order dispatch ho gaya hai, ab aap cancel nahin kar sakte. (माफ़ कीजिए, ऑर्डर डिस्पैच हो गया है, अब आप कैंसल नहीं कर सकते। - Sorry, the order has been dispatched, now you cannot cancel it.)

4. Everyday Scenario (Phone Call):

- A: Tum mujhe railway station se pick kar sakte ho kya? (तुम मुझे रेलवे स्टेशन से पिक कर सकते हो क्या? - Can you pick me up from the railway station?)

- B: Abhi nahin. Main office mein hoon, nikal nahin sakta. (अभी नहीं। मैं ऑफ़िस में हूँ, निकल नहीं सकता। - Not right now. I'm in the office, I cannot leave.)

These examples illustrate the natural and widespread application of this grammatical structure in diverse daily interactions, emphasizing its utility for A2 learners.

Quick FAQ

Here are answers to common questions regarding nahin (नहीं) and sakna (सकना) in Hindi:
  • **Q: Can I use nahin (नहीं) alone to express

2. Sakna Conjugation (Negative)

Subject Masculine Singular Feminine Singular Masculine Plural Feminine Plural
Main (I)
nahin sakta
nahin sakti
-
-
Tum (You informal)
nahin sakte
nahin sakti
nahin sakte
nahin saktin
Aap (You formal)
nahin sakte
nahin sakti
nahin sakte
nahin saktin
Woh (He/She/It)
nahin sakta
nahin sakti
nahin sakte
nahin saktin
Hum (We)
-
-
nahin sakte
nahin saktin

Meanings

This structure is used to express the inability to perform an action, whether due to physical limitation, lack of permission, or circumstance.

1

Physical Inability

Cannot perform a physical task.

“Main nahin utha sakta.”

“Woh nahin daud sakti.”

2

Permission/Circumstance

Cannot do something because of rules or time.

“Aap yahan nahin baith sakte.”

“Main abhi nahin ja sakta.”

Reference Table

Reference table for Saying 'I Can't' in Hindi: Using `nahin` before `sak` (नहीं + सकना)
Form Structure Example
Affirmative
Sub + Verb + Sakna
Main ja sakta hoon
Negative
Sub + Verb + Nahin + Sakna
Main nahin ja sakta
Question
Kya + Sub + Verb + Sakna
Kya tum ja sakte ho?
Negative Question
Kya + Sub + Verb + Nahin + Sakna
Kya tum nahin ja sakte?
Formal
Aap + Verb + Nahin + Sakte
Aap nahin ja sakte
Informal
Tu + Verb + Nahin + Sakta
Tu nahin ja sakta

Formality Spectrum

Formal
Main nahin aa sakta/sakti.

Main nahin aa sakta/sakti. (Declining an invitation)

Neutral
Main nahin aa sakta.

Main nahin aa sakta. (Declining an invitation)

Informal
Main nahin aa sakta.

Main nahin aa sakta. (Declining an invitation)

Slang
Nahi ho payega.

Nahi ho payega. (Declining an invitation)

The 'Can't' Formula

nahin sakna

Subject

  • Main I
  • Tum You

Verb

  • ja go
  • kha eat
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Examples by Level

1

Main nahin ja sakta.

I cannot go.

2

Woh nahin aa sakti.

She cannot come.

3

Hum nahin khel sakte.

We cannot play.

4

Tum nahin baith sakte.

You cannot sit.

1

Kya main yahan nahin baith sakta?

Can I not sit here?

2

Woh aaj kaam nahin kar sakti.

She cannot work today.

3

Aap abhi nahin ja sakte.

You cannot go right now.

4

Main yeh nahin padh sakta.

I cannot read this.

1

Main nahin aa sakta kyunki mujhe der ho rahi hai.

I cannot come because I am getting late.

2

Kya tum meri madad nahin kar sakte?

Can you not help me?

3

Woh itni tez nahin daud sakti.

She cannot run that fast.

4

Hum kal nahin mil sakte.

We cannot meet tomorrow.

1

Mujhe afsos hai, main aapka prastav nahin maan sakta.

I am sorry, I cannot accept your proposal.

2

Itni garmi mein koi nahin reh sakta.

No one can live in such heat.

3

Kya aapko lagta hai ki woh nahin kar sakti?

Do you think she cannot do it?

4

Main isse behtar nahin kar sakta.

I cannot do better than this.

1

Yadi tum mehnat nahin karoge, toh safal nahin ho sakoge.

If you don't work hard, you won't be able to succeed.

2

Uski halat aisi hai ki woh chal nahin sakti.

Her condition is such that she cannot walk.

3

Main is baat ko nazar-andaz nahin kar sakta.

I cannot ignore this matter.

4

Kya hum isse aur achhe se nahin kar sakte?

Can we not do this better?

1

Vastavikta yeh hai ki hum ise badal nahin sakte.

The reality is that we cannot change this.

2

Koi bhi vyakti niyam nahin tod sakta.

No person can break the rules.

3

Main apni zimmedari se nahin bhag sakta.

I cannot run away from my responsibility.

4

Kya tumne socha hai ki tum kyun nahin kar sakte?

Have you thought about why you cannot do it?

Easily Confused

Saying 'I Can't' in Hindi: Using `nahin` before `sak` (नहीं + सकना) vs Sakna vs Paana

Both relate to ability, but 'paana' implies success.

Saying 'I Can't' in Hindi: Using `nahin` before `sak` (नहीं + सकना) vs Sakna vs Chahna

Learners mix 'can' and 'want'.

Saying 'I Can't' in Hindi: Using `nahin` before `sak` (नहीं + सकना) vs Nahin vs Mat

Both mean 'no', but 'mat' is for commands.

Common Mistakes

✗

Main sakna nahin ja.

✓

Main nahin ja sakta.

Wrong word order.
✗

Main nahin ja.

✓

Main nahin ja sakta.

Missing the auxiliary.
✗

Main nahin ja saktin.

✓

Main nahin ja sakta.

Wrong gender agreement.
✗

Main nahin jata sakta.

✓

Main nahin ja sakta.

Conjugating the root.
✗

Hum nahin ja sakta.

✓

Hum nahin ja sakte.

Plural agreement error.
✗

Woh nahin ja sakti (male subject).

✓

Woh nahin ja sakta.

Gender mismatch.
✗

Aap nahin ja sakta.

✓

Aap nahin ja sakte.

Formal plural agreement.
✗

Main nahin ja pa sakta.

✓

Main nahin ja sakta.

Mixing 'paana' and 'sakna'.
✗

Main nahin ja sakunga.

✓

Main nahin ja sakta.

Using future tense incorrectly.
✗

Mujhe nahin ja sakta.

✓

Main nahin ja sakta.

Wrong case usage.
✗

Main nahin ja sakne wala.

✓

Main nahin ja sakta.

Over-complicating the structure.
✗

Main nahin ja sakti hoon (male speaker).

✓

Main nahin ja sakta hoon.

Gender agreement.

Sentence Patterns

Main ___ nahin sakta.

Kya tum ___ nahin sakte?

Woh ___ nahin sakti kyunki ___.

Hum ___ nahin sakte, par hum ___ sakte hain.

Real World Usage

Texting very common

Main nahin aa sakta.

Job Interview common

Main yeh zimmedari nahin le sakta.

Ordering Food common

Main spicy nahin kha sakta.

Travel common

Main yahan nahin ruk sakta.

Social Media common

Main believe nahin kar sakta!

Food Delivery Apps occasional

Main abhi order nahin kar sakta.

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💡

Gender Matters

Always check if you are speaking as a male or female. It changes 'sakta' to 'sakti'.
⚠️

Don't Conjugate the Root

The main verb root (like 'ja') never changes. Only 'sakna' changes.
🎯

Use 'Nahin' Early

Keep 'nahin' right before 'sakna' for the most natural flow.
💬

Politeness

If you need to be very polite, add 'kripya' (please) at the start.

Smart Tips

If you are a male, use 'sakta'. If female, use 'sakti'.

Main nahin ja sakti (male speaker). → Main nahin ja sakta (male speaker).

Add 'kripya' before the sentence.

Main nahin aa sakta. → Kripya, main nahin aa sakta.

Use 'sakte' for 'hum' (we).

Hum nahin ja sakta. → Hum nahin ja sakte.

Always use the root form.

Main nahin jata sakta. → Main nahin ja sakta.

Pronunciation

sʌk-nɑː

Sakna

The 'k' is aspirated. Pronounce it like 'suck-na' but with a sharp 'k'.

Falling intonation

Main nahin ja sakta. ↓

Definitive statement of inability.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Sakna' as a 'Sack'—you can't carry the sack if you are 'nahin' (not) strong enough.

Visual Association

Imagine a person trying to lift a heavy box. They shake their head and say 'nahin' (no) before they even try to lift it (sakna).

Rhyme

When you cannot do the task, 'nahin' before 'sakna' is all you ask.

Story

Rohan wanted to play cricket. He looked at the rain and said 'Main nahin khel sakta.' His friend replied, 'Hum bhi nahin khel sakte.' They both went home.

Word Web

saknanahinsaktisaktesaktinsakta

Challenge

Write 5 sentences about things you cannot do today (e.g., 'I cannot go to the park').

Cultural Notes

People often use 'nahin ho payega' (it won't be possible) instead of 'nahin sakna' to be more polite.

Using 'sakna' is direct; in offices, people use more indirect language.

Younger generations often use English words mixed with Hindi.

The verb 'sakna' comes from the Sanskrit root 'shak' (to be able).

Conversation Starters

“

Kya tum kal aa sakte ho?

“

Kya tum yeh kaam kar sakte ho?

“

Kya hum yahan baith sakte hain?

“

Kya tum meri madad kar sakte ho?

Journal Prompts

Write about three things you cannot do yet in Hindi.
Describe a situation where you had to say 'no' to someone.
Explain why you cannot attend a hypothetical event.
Reflect on your language learning limitations.

Common Mistakes

Incorrect

Correct

Incorrect

Correct

Incorrect

Correct

Incorrect

Correct

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Test Yourself

Fill in the blank: Main ___ ja sakta.

Main ___ ja sakta.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: nahin
Negation requires 'nahin'.
Choose the correct form for a female speaker. Multiple Choice

Main nahin ja ___.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: sakti
Female singular requires 'sakti'.
Correct the sentence: Main nahin jata sakta. Error Correction

Find and fix the mistake:

Main nahin jata sakta.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Main nahin ja sakta.
Do not conjugate the root.
Reorder: sakta / nahin / main / ja. Sentence Reorder

Arrange the words in the correct order:

All words placed

Click words above to build the sentence

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Main nahin ja sakta.
Correct word order.
Translate: I cannot eat. Translation

I cannot eat.

Answer starts with: Mai...

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Main nahin kha sakta.
Correct structure.
Match the subject to the correct form. Match Pairs

Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: sakte
Plural masculine.
Which is formal? Multiple Choice

Which is formal?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Aap nahin ja sakte.
Aap uses plural verb.
Fill in the blank: Woh nahin ___ sakti.

Woh nahin ___ sakti.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: aa
Root verb only.

Score: /8

Practice Exercises

8 exercises
Fill in the blank: Main ___ ja sakta.

Main ___ ja sakta.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: nahin
Negation requires 'nahin'.
Choose the correct form for a female speaker. Multiple Choice

Main nahin ja ___.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: sakti
Female singular requires 'sakti'.
Correct the sentence: Main nahin jata sakta. Error Correction

Find and fix the mistake:

Main nahin jata sakta.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Main nahin ja sakta.
Do not conjugate the root.
Reorder: sakta / nahin / main / ja. Sentence Reorder

sakta / nahin / main / ja

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Main nahin ja sakta.
Correct word order.
Translate: I cannot eat. Translation

I cannot eat.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Main nahin kha sakta.
Correct structure.
Match the subject to the correct form. Match Pairs

Hum -> ?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: sakte
Plural masculine.
Which is formal? Multiple Choice

Which is formal?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Aap nahin ja sakte.
Aap uses plural verb.
Fill in the blank: Woh nahin ___ sakti.

Woh nahin ___ sakti.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: aa
Root verb only.

Score: /8

Practice Bank

10 exercises
Translate into Hindi (Masculine) Translation

I cannot speak English.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Main English nahin bol sakta
Choose the correct respectful form for 'You cannot do this.' Multiple Choice

Aap yeh ___

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: nahin kar sakte
Fix the word order for 'I cannot eat.' Error Correction

Main kha sakta nahin.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Main nahin kha sakta.
Match the Hindi to the English Match Pairs

Match gender forms:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Main nahin aa sakta | I (male) cannot come, Main nahin aa sakti | I (female) cannot come, Hum nahin aa sakte | We cannot come
Fill the verb root for 'He cannot read.' Fill in the Blank

Vah nahin ___ sakta.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: parh
Order for 'They cannot play.' Sentence Reorder

Arrange:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Ve nahin khel sakte
Translate into Hindi Translation

She cannot understand.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Vah nahin samajh sakti
Select the correct negation for 'cannot buy'. Multiple Choice

Main ___

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: nahin khareed sakta
Is this correct? 'Hum nahin bol sakti.' (We cannot speak) Error Correction

Check the sentence:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Hum nahin bol sakte.
Complete the sentence: 'I (female) cannot sit.' Fill in the Blank

Main nahin baith ___.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: sakti

Score: /10

FAQ (8)

No, it must come before 'sakna'.

No, it stays in its root form.

That requires past tense: 'Main nahin ja saka'.

Yes, it can imply permission or physical ability.

Hindi is a gendered language; 'sakna' must match the subject.

Yes, it is perfectly acceptable.

Use 'sakte' for masculine plural.

Sometimes people just say 'nahin ho payega'.

Scaffolded Practice

1

1

2

2

3

3

4

4

Mastery Progress

Needs Practice

Improving

Strong

Mastered

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In Other Languages

Spanish high

No puedo

Spanish uses a single verb 'poder', whereas Hindi uses 'sakna'.

French moderate

Je ne peux pas

French requires two parts for negation, Hindi only one.

German high

Ich kann nicht

In Hindi, the negation precedes the auxiliary.

Japanese moderate

Dekinai

Hindi uses a separate word 'nahin'.

Arabic moderate

La astati'u

Arabic conjugates the verb for person, Hindi for gender/number.

Chinese high

Wo bu neng

Chinese does not conjugate for gender or number.

Learning Path

Prerequisites

Previous
Hindi Verb Sakna: Can, Could & Ability (सकना)
Next
Hindi Necessity: I have to... (ko ... -na hai)

Learn These First

A2 Requires

Expressing Ability (Saknā): Saying 'Can' in Hindi

Overview Expressing capability or possibility in Hindi primarily relies on the auxiliary verb `सकना` (_saknā_), which fu...

Continue With

B1 Builds On

Negative Ability: Saying 'Can't' (नहीं सकना)

Overview Negative ability in Hindi, expressed primarily through `नहीं सकना` (nahin saknā), allows you to articulate what...

Related Grammar Rules

A2

Hindi Quantity: As much as... that much (jitnā/utnā)

Overview In Hindi grammar, expressing relationships of quantity and proportion is handled by a powerful set of correlat...
C1

Hindi Word Order: Moving Words After the Verb (Right-Dislocation)

Why do Hindi speakers sometimes put the subject or object *after* the verb, as if they just remembered it at the last se...
C1

Stylistic Inversion: Breaking the SOV Rules

Overview You have likely been taught that Hindi adheres to a rigid Subject-Object-Verb (SOV) word order. While this cano...
C1

Advanced Negation: Lest, Hardly & Don't You Dare

Overview Mastering negation in Hindi extends beyond the elementary `नहीं` (`nahin`). At the C1 CEFR level, you require a...
B2

Hindi Correlative Adverbs: Connecting Ideas (जब... तब)

Overview Correlative adverbs are foundational structures in Hindi, enabling the precise connection of ideas across claus...
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