How to Say ‘You can't’ in Portuguese
Você não pode
💬 Usage Tip: Constructed by using 'você' (you) with 'não pode' (cannot).
🇵🇹 In Portugal: Directness in expressing restrictions is common in Portuguese culture, reflecting clarity in communication.
Word-by-Word Breakdown
Você
[vo-SEH]
You
A pronoun used to address the person one is speaking to.
Você não pode entrar aqui.
You cannot enter here.
não
[NOW]
Not
A word used to form a negative clause or phrase.
Você não pode sair.
You cannot leave.
pode
[POH-jee]
Can
Used to indicate the ability to do something.
Você pode ir à festa?
Can you go to the party?
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