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How to Say ‘I can't’ in Portuguese

Eu não posso

💬 Usage Tip: Conveys inability or refusal.

🇵🇹 In Portugal: Useful for indicating when something is not possible.

Word-by-Word Breakdown

Eu

[ay-oo]

I can't

Expressing inability to do something.

Example

Eu não posso pagar por esta corrida.

I can't pay for this ride.

não

[naho]

Not

A word used to give a negative form.

Example

Eu não posso descer aqui, é só para pedestres.

I can't get off here, it's pedestrian only.

posso

[poh-soo]

Can

Indicating ability or possibility.

Example

Eu não posso ir até lá sozinho.

I can't go there alone.

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