Meaning
To express an opinion that something cannot occur or be done.
Cultural Background
In offices in Delhi or Mumbai, saying 'Asambhav' is a way to signal that you are a serious professional who understands constraints. It is often followed by a 'but' (lekin) to offer an alternative. The word 'Asambhav' is often used for dramatic effect in movies. There was even a famous action movie titled 'Asambhav' (2004). Using it can sometimes sound slightly dramatic. When speaking to elders or superiors, adding 'Mujhe lagta hai' is mandatory. Saying 'Yeh asambhav hai' directly to a grandfather or a CEO would be considered very disrespectful. In areas with heavy Urdu influence (like Lucknow or Hyderabad), you are much more likely to hear 'Namumkin' than 'Asambhav'. Both are understood, but 'Asambhav' sounds more 'official' or 'Sanskritized'.
The 'Soft' No
Use this phrase when you want to say 'No' to a request from a boss or elder without being disrespectful.
Don't over-Sanskritize
In very casual street talk, 'Asambhav' might sound too 'bookish'. Use 'Namumkin' or 'Nahi hoga' instead.
Meaning
To express an opinion that something cannot occur or be done.
The 'Soft' No
Use this phrase when you want to say 'No' to a request from a boss or elder without being disrespectful.
Don't over-Sanskritize
In very casual street talk, 'Asambhav' might sound too 'bookish'. Use 'Namumkin' or 'Nahi hoga' instead.
The 'Mushkil' Euphemism
Sometimes Indians say 'Thoda mushkil hai' (It's a bit difficult) when they actually mean it's impossible. Pay attention to the tone!
Test Yourself
Fill in the missing word to complete the phrase.
मुझे ______ है कि यह असंभव है।
The standard idiom uses 'lagta' (feels/seems).
Which of these is the most polite way to say something is impossible in a meeting?
Choose the best option:
This option uses the 'softener' and formal vocabulary.
Complete the dialogue.
A: क्या हम आज रात तक सारा काम खत्म कर सकते हैं? B: नहीं, काम बहुत ज़्यादा है। ______
The context 'नहीं, काम बहुत ज़्यादा है' implies impossibility.
Match the Hindi phrase with its English equivalent.
Match the following:
These are the direct components of the phrase.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesमुझे ______ है कि यह असंभव है।
The standard idiom uses 'lagta' (feels/seems).
Choose the best option:
This option uses the 'softener' and formal vocabulary.
A: क्या हम आज रात तक सारा काम खत्म कर सकते हैं? B: नहीं, काम बहुत ज़्यादा है। ______
The context 'नहीं, काम बहुत ज़्यादा है' implies impossibility.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
These are the direct components of the phrase.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
5 questionsYes, but it sounds like a translation from English. 'Mujhe lagta hai' is much more natural for expressing feelings or opinions.
It's slightly formal, but perfectly fine. If you want to be more casual, use 'Namumkin'.
Short 'Ki' (कि) means 'that'. Long 'Kee' (की) means 'of' (feminine). Always use the short one here.
You say 'यह असंभव नहीं है' (Yeh asambhav nahi hai).
Hindi uses dative subjects for internal states. The feeling 'happens to you', so you use 'to me' (Mujhe).
Related Phrases
यह नामुमकिन है
synonymThis is impossible (Urdu-origin).
यह संभव है
contrastThis is possible.
मुझे नहीं लगता
builds onI don't think so.
हो ही नहीं सकता
similarIt just cannot happen.
