Negative Ability: Saying 'Can't' (नहीं सकना)
नहीं and a conjugated form of सकना to express what you cannot do.
Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds
To say 'can't' in Hindi, use the root of the main verb + 'नहीं' + 'सकना' (sakna) conjugated for the subject.
- Take the verb root (e.g., 'जा' from 'जाना').
- Add 'नहीं' before 'सकना'.
- Conjugate 'सकना' based on the subject (e.g., 'मैं नहीं जा सकता').
Overview
Negative ability in Hindi, expressed primarily through नहीं सकना (nahin saknā), allows you to articulate what you cannot do, are unable to do, or are not permitted to do. This construction is a fundamental component of intermediate Hindi communication, moving beyond simple denial to convey nuanced limitations. Unlike a direct negation of an action, such as मैं खाता नहीं हूँ (main khātā nahīn hūṁ – I don't eat), मैं खा नहीं सकता (main khā nahīn saktā – I cannot eat) specifies an incapacity or restriction.
Mastering नहीं सकना (nahin saknā) is essential for expressing practical constraints, politely declining, or explaining external barriers in everyday Hindi. It signifies a lack of either intrinsic capability or extrinsic allowance.
Conjugation Table
| Subject | Root Verb + नहीं + सकना (Present Indefinite) | Transliteration | English Translation | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| :--------- | :------------------------------------------- | :----------------------- | :-------------------------- | ||
| मैं (M) | खा नहीं सकता | khā nahīn saktā | I cannot eat | ||
| मैं (F) | खा नहीं सकती | khā nahīn saktī | I cannot eat | ||
| तू (M/F) | खा नहीं सकता/सकती | khā nahīn saktā/saktī | You cannot eat (informal) | ||
| तुम (M) | खा नहीं सकते | khā nahīn sakte | You cannot eat | ||
| तुम (F) | खा नहीं सकती | khā nahīn saktī | You cannot eat | ||
| आप (M/F) | खा नहीं सकते | khā nahīn sakte | You cannot eat (formal) | ||
| वह (M) | खा नहीं सकता | khā nahīn saktā | He/It cannot eat | ||
| वह (F) | खा नहीं सकती | khā nahīn saktī | She/It cannot eat | ||
| हम (M/F) | खा नहीं सकते | khā nahīn sakte | We cannot eat | ||
| वे (M) | खा नहीं सकते | khā nahīn sakte | They cannot eat | ||
| वे (F) | खा नहीं सकतीं | khā nahīn saktīṁ | They cannot eat | ||
| Subject | Root Verb + नहीं + सकना (Past Indefinite) | Transliteration | English Translation | ||
| :--------- | :------------------------------------------- | :----------------------- | :-------------------------- | ||
| मैं (M) | खा नहीं सकता था | khā nahīn saktā thā | I could not eat | ||
| मैं (F) | खा नहीं सकती थी | khā nahīn saktī thī | I could not eat | ||
| तू (M/F) | खा नहीं सकता था / सकती थी | khā nahīn saktā thā / saktī thī | You could not eat (inf.) | ||
| तुम (M) | खा नहीं सकते थे | khā nahīn sakte the | You could not eat | ||
| तुम (F) | खा नहीं सकती थीं | khā nahīn saktī thīṁ | You could not eat | ||
| आप (M/F) | खा नहीं सकते थे | khā nahīn sakte the | You could not eat (form.) | ||
| वह (M) | खा नहीं सकता था | khā nahīn saktā thā | He/It could not eat | ||
| वह (F) | खा नहीं सकती थी | khā nahīn saktī thī | She/It could not eat | ||
| हम (M/F) | खा नहीं सकते थे | khā nahīn sakte the | We could not eat | ||
| वे (M) | खा नहीं सकते थे | khā nahīn sakte the | They could not eat | ||
| वे (F) | खा नहीं सकती थीं | khā nahīn saktī thīṁ | They could not eat |
How This Grammar Works
नहीं सकना (nahin saknā) operates on the principle of compound verbs in Hindi, where a main verb combines with an auxiliary verb to create a single semantic unit, often adding nuance regarding aspect, mood, or ability. In this case, सकना (saknā) functions as an auxiliary verb of ability or permission. The main verb, which denotes the action, is reduced to its root form, losing all its typical conjugational markings.नहीं (nahīn) and the inflected form of सकना (saknā).नहीं (nahīn) directly before सकना (saknā), you are negating the ability itself, rather than the action. For instance, in वह गाड़ी चला नहीं सकता (vah gāṛī chalā nahīn saktā – He cannot drive a car), चला (chalā – drive, root) denotes the action, and नहीं सकता (nahīn saktā – cannot) specifies the inability to perform that action.Formation Pattern
नहीं सकना (nahin saknā) follows a clear, step-by-step process. Adhering to this sequence ensures grammatical correctness and natural expression. The key is to correctly identify the verb root and then appropriately inflect सकना (saknā) for the subject and tense.
देखना – dekhnā, to see). Remove the infinitive ending -ना (nā) to obtain the verb root (e.g., देख – dekh). This root remains unchanged, irrespective of the subject's gender, number, or the sentence's tense.
पढ़ना (paṛhnā – to read) becomes पढ़ (paṛh).
जाना (jānā – to go) becomes जा (jā).
नहीं (nahīn) immediately after the verb root. This नहीं (nahīn) directly negates the ability or permission conveyed by सकना (saknā), not the main action itself.
पढ़ नहीं (paṛh nahīn).
जा नहीं (jā nahīn).
सकना (saknā): Inflect सकना (saknā) according to the subject's gender and number, and the tense of the sentence. This is the part that changes. The present indefinite forms are सकता (saktā – M.Sg.), सकती (saktī – F.Sg.), सकते (sakte – M.Pl./Formal), सकतीं (saktīṁ – F.Pl.). For the past indefinite, append the appropriate form of होना (honā – to be) in the past: था (thā – M.Sg.), थी (thī – F.Sg.), थे (the – M.Pl./Formal), थीं (thīṁ – F.Pl.).
मैं पढ़ नहीं सकता हूँ (main paṛh nahīn saktā hūṁ – I (M) cannot read).
वे जा नहीं सकते थे (ve jā nahīn sakte the – They (M.Pl.) could not go).
[Subject] + [Verb Root] + नहीं + [सकना (conjugated)] structure. Often, the auxiliary होना (honā) in its present form (है, हूँ, हो, हैं) is used at the very end for emphasis or formality, though it is frequently omitted in casual speech.
तुम यह काम कर नहीं सकते हो (tum yah kām kar nahīn sakte ho – You cannot do this work).
बच्चा सो नहीं सकता (bachchā so nahīn saktā – The child cannot sleep). (Here, होना is omitted for brevity, common for third person singular).
When To Use It
नहीं सकना (nahīn saknā) construction serves a variety of purposes beyond mere negation, indicating specific types of limitations. Understanding these contexts is crucial for appropriate and natural usage.- Lack of Physical or Mental Capability: Use
नहीं सकना(nahīn saknā) to describe an inherent inability due to physical limitations, lack of skill, or mental capacity. This is a direct statement of
2. Conjugation of 'सकना' (Negative)
| Subject | Masculine Singular | Feminine Singular | Masculine Plural | Feminine Plural |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
मैं (I)
|
नहीं सकता
|
नहीं सकती
|
-
|
-
|
|
तुम (You - Inf)
|
नहीं सकते
|
नहीं सकती
|
-
|
-
|
|
वह (He/She)
|
नहीं सकता
|
नहीं सकती
|
-
|
-
|
|
हम (We)
|
-
|
-
|
नहीं सकते
|
नहीं सकतीं
|
|
आप (You - Form)
|
-
|
-
|
नहीं सकते
|
नहीं सकतीं
|
|
वे (They)
|
-
|
-
|
नहीं सकते
|
नहीं सकतीं
|
Meanings
This structure expresses the inability to perform an action due to lack of skill, permission, or physical possibility.
Physical Inability
Lack of physical capacity to do something.
“मैं यह भारी बक्सा नहीं उठा सकता।”
“वह दौड़ नहीं सकता।”
Permission/Social Constraint
Not being allowed or able to do something due to rules.
“आप यहाँ नहीं बैठ सकते।”
“बच्चे बाहर नहीं जा सकते।”
Reference Table
| Form | Structure | Example |
|---|---|---|
|
Affirmative
|
Root + सकता
|
मैं जा सकता हूँ
|
|
Negative
|
Root + नहीं + सकता
|
मैं नहीं जा सकता
|
|
Interrogative
|
क्या + Root + सकता
|
क्या मैं जा सकता हूँ?
|
|
Negative Question
|
क्या + Root + नहीं + सकता
|
क्या मैं नहीं जा सकता?
|
|
Formal
|
Root + सकते हैं
|
आप नहीं जा सकते
|
|
Past (Ability)
|
Root + पाया
|
मैं नहीं जा पाया
|
Formality Spectrum
मैं नहीं आ सकता हूँ। (Declining an invitation.)
मैं नहीं आ सकता। (Declining an invitation.)
मैं नहीं आ सकता। (Declining an invitation.)
नहीं हो पाएगा। (Declining an invitation.)
Gender Agreement
Examples by Level
मैं नहीं जा सकता।
I cannot go.
वह नहीं खा सकती।
She cannot eat.
हम नहीं खेल सकते।
We cannot play.
तुम नहीं सो सकते।
You cannot sleep.
क्या आप नहीं आ सकते?
Can you not come?
मैं आज काम नहीं कर सकता।
I cannot work today.
वे हिंदी नहीं बोल सकते।
They cannot speak Hindi.
बच्चे बाहर नहीं जा सकते।
Children cannot go outside.
मुझे खेद है, मैं आपकी मदद नहीं कर सकता।
I am sorry, I cannot help you.
वह इतनी भारी चीज़ नहीं उठा सकती।
She cannot lift such a heavy thing.
हम इस नियम को नहीं बदल सकते।
We cannot change this rule.
क्या तुम यह नहीं समझ सकते?
Can you not understand this?
प्रशासन इस मांग को स्वीकार नहीं कर सकता।
The administration cannot accept this demand.
वह इस स्थिति में निर्णय नहीं ले सकती।
She cannot take a decision in this situation.
हम बिना अनुमति के अंदर नहीं जा सकते।
We cannot go inside without permission.
वह अपनी भावनाओं को छिपा नहीं सकता।
He cannot hide his feelings.
यह संभव नहीं है कि हम कल नहीं मिल सकते।
It is not possible that we cannot meet tomorrow.
ऐसी परिस्थितियों में कोई भी कार्य नहीं कर सकता।
In such conditions, no one can work.
वह इतनी जल्दी हार नहीं मान सकती।
She cannot give up so soon.
हमें यह स्वीकार करना होगा कि हम सब कुछ नहीं कर सकते।
We must accept that we cannot do everything.
असंभव है कि वह इस सत्य को नकार नहीं सकता।
It is impossible that he cannot deny this truth.
वह इस उत्तरदायित्व से विमुख नहीं हो सकता।
He cannot turn away from this responsibility.
ऐसी जटिलता को कोई भी साधारण व्यक्ति नहीं समझ सकता।
No ordinary person can understand such complexity.
वह अपनी नियति को बदल नहीं सकता।
He cannot change his destiny.
Easily Confused
Both relate to ability, but 'paana' is about managing to do something.
Both are negatives.
Both express possibility.
Common Mistakes
मैं नहीं जाता सकता
मैं नहीं जा सकता
मैं नहीं सकता जाना
मैं नहीं जा सकता
मैं नहीं सकना
मैं नहीं सकता
मैं नहीं जा सकूँ
मैं नहीं जा सकता
वह नहीं जा सकता (for female)
वह नहीं जा सकती
हम नहीं जा सकता
हम नहीं जा सकते
आप नहीं जा सकता
आप नहीं जा सकते
मैं नहीं जा पाया (when meaning 'can't')
मैं नहीं जा सकता
मैं नहीं कर सकूंगा
मैं नहीं कर सकता
मैं नहीं कर सका
मैं नहीं कर सकता
मैं नहीं कर पा रहा हूँ
मैं नहीं कर सकता
Sentence Patterns
मैं ___ नहीं सकता।
क्या आप ___ नहीं सकते?
वह ___ नहीं सकती।
हम ___ नहीं कर सकते।
Real World Usage
मैं मिर्च नहीं खा सकता।
सॉरी, नहीं आ सकता।
मैं यह जिम्मेदारी नहीं ले सकता।
मैं हिंदी नहीं बोल सकता।
मैं इसे बर्दाश्त नहीं कर सकता।
मैं यह नहीं समझ सकता।
Root Verb
Gender Matters
Politeness
Softening
Smart Tips
Use 'मुश्किल है' instead of 'नहीं सकता'.
Focus on the root verb first.
Use plural 'सकते' if speaking generally.
Use 'असमर्थ' for high formality.
Pronunciation
Sakna
The 'k' is aspirated. Pronounced like 'suk-naa'.
Falling
मैं नहीं जा सकता। ↘
Definitive statement.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Think of 'Sakna' as 'Sack-na' (like putting a task in a sack). If you say 'Nahi' (No) before it, you can't put it in the sack!
Visual Association
Imagine a person trying to lift a heavy rock. They say 'Nahi!' and the rock stays on the ground. The word 'Nahi' acts as a shield blocking the action.
Rhyme
Root stays the same, 'nahi' takes the blame, 'sakna' changes to win the game.
Story
Rohan wants to climb a mountain. He looks at the peak and says, 'मैं नहीं चढ़ सकता' (I cannot climb). His friend says, 'तुम चढ़ सकते हो' (You can climb). Rohan tries, but realizes his boots are too heavy, so he says, 'मैं नहीं चल सकता' (I cannot walk).
Word Web
Challenge
Write 5 sentences about things you cannot do today (e.g., 'I cannot fly', 'I cannot speak Hindi perfectly').
Cultural Notes
Directly saying 'I cannot' can be seen as blunt. Often, people use 'It might be difficult' (मुश्किल होगा) instead.
In some rural dialects, 'सकना' is replaced by 'पाना' or local auxiliary verbs.
Youth often use English 'can't' mixed with Hindi.
Derived from Sanskrit 'shak' (to be able).
Conversation Starters
क्या आप आज बाहर जा सकते हैं?
क्या आप यह काम कर सकते हैं?
क्या आप हिंदी बोल सकते हैं?
क्या आप इस समस्या का समाधान कर सकते हैं?
Journal Prompts
Common Mistakes
Test Yourself
मैं नहीं ___ सकता। (जा)
वह (female) नहीं ___ सकती।
Find and fix the mistake:
मैं नहीं जाता सकता।
Arrange the words in the correct order:
All words placed
Click words above to build the sentence
हम नहीं ___ सकते। (आ)
I cannot speak.
Answer starts with: मैं...
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
Use 'नहीं', 'सकते', 'वे', 'खेल'.
Score: /8
Practice Exercises
8 exercisesमैं नहीं ___ सकता। (जा)
वह (female) नहीं ___ सकती।
Find and fix the mistake:
मैं नहीं जाता सकता।
सकता / नहीं / मैं / जा
हम नहीं ___ सकते। (आ)
I cannot speak.
वह (f) -> ?
Use 'नहीं', 'सकते', 'वे', 'खेल'.
Score: /8
Practice Bank
10 exercisesनहीं / मैं / आ / सकता / आज
They cannot hear you.
हम फ़िल्म ___ (cannot watch).
तुम सच नहीं ___ सकते। (cannot speak)
Match the following:
मैं खाना खा नहीं सकता हूँ। (Correct if it is already correct, or fix if needed)
Select the sentence about permission:
I couldn't sleep.
सकती / नहीं / वह / लिख
मेरा कैमरा ___ (cannot turn on).
Score: /10
FAQ (8)
No, for past ability, use 'पाना'.
Yes, it functions as the auxiliary for ability.
Use 'सकते हैं' with 'आप'.
It's the standard negation rule in Hindi.
Yes, but it's less common than present.
It can be direct; use 'मुश्किल है' for politeness.
No, it stays as the root.
Conjugate 'सकना' to 'सकते'.
Scaffolded Practice
1
2
3
4
Mastery Progress
Needs Practice
Improving
Strong
Mastered
In Other Languages
No puedo
Spanish 'poder' is a modal; Hindi 'sakna' is a main verb.
Je ne peux pas
French requires 'ne...pas' around the verb.
Ich kann nicht
German word order is strictly V2.
Dekimasen
Japanese potential is a suffix, not an auxiliary verb.
La astati'u
Arabic conjugates the root differently.
Bu neng
Chinese verbs do not conjugate.
Learning Path
Prerequisites
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