je ne peux pas
The English phrase "I cannot" is translated into French as je ne peux pas.
This phrase is used to state that one is unable to do something.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of je (I), ne…pas (the negation markers), and peux (the first-person singular conjugation of pouvoir, meaning to be able to).
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
In spoken, informal French, the ne is almost always dropped, resulting in je peux pas.
How does it change in a sentence?
To express that you were unable to do something in the past, use the passé composé form je n'ai pas pu. To express inability in the future tense, use the future form of the verb pouvoir instead of the present tense, which is je ne pourrai pas.
Did you know?
- The word pas literally means 'a step'. In the phrase je ne peux pas, it originally served as a way to say the speaker could not move even a single step.
- In high literature or very formal speech, the pas is omitted entirely, leaving je ne peux to create a more poetic and refined tone.
- While je ne peux pas denotes a lack of ability, the verb pouvoir is also used in French to give or ask for permission, similar to 'may' in English.
Examples in context
- Je ne peux pas voir.I cannot see.This sentence shows how to use je ne peux pas to express inability to see.Tatoeba #10705240 by AutoBot, translation #10705238 by AutoBot
- Je ne peux pas parler.I cannot speak.This sentence shows how to use je ne peux pas to express inability to speak.Tatoeba #461211 by sacredceltic, translation #10705242 by AutoBot
- Je ne peux pas partir.I cannot leave.This sentence shows how to use je ne peux pas to express inability to leave.Tatoeba #1951895 by sacredceltic, translation #6157626 by amoeba
- Je suis désolé(e), je ne peux pas le faire.I'm sorry, I cannot do it.
- Malheureusement, je ne suis pas capable de le faire.Unfortunately, I'm not able to do it.
- J'ai bien peur de ne pas pouvoir le faire.I'm afraid I cannot do it.
- Excusez-moi, mais je suis dans l'incapacité de le faire.Excuse me, but I am unable to do it.
- Désolé(e), je ne peux pas.Sorry, I can't.
- C'est pas possible pour moi.It's not possible for me.
- je ne suis pas en mesure de t'aiderI'm not in a position to help you.
- 156 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Léa asks Hugo for help with a heavy box.
- LéaHugo, peux-tu m'aider avec ce carton ?Hugo, can you help me with this box?
- HugoDésolé, je ne peux pas maintenant.Sorry, I cannot right now.
- LéaPourquoi ? Tu es occupé ?Why? Are you busy?
- HugoOui, je travaille sur un dossier.Yes, I am working on a file.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries je, ne, pas, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
