no, no puedes
The English phrase 'no, you can't' is translated into Spanish as no, no puedes.
This phrase is used to tell someone that they do not have permission or the ability to do something.
Which one should you use?
The phrase no, no puedes is used for both a lack of physical ability and a lack of permission, similar to the English 'you can't'.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, No está permitido can be used to express refusal, meaning 'It's not allowed.' In Spain, No es posible can be used to express refusal, meaning 'It's not possible.' In Mexico, the phrase No te conviene means 'It's not in your best interest' and is used to dissuade someone from doing something.
How does it change in a sentence?
To tell a group of people that they cannot do something, use the plural form no, no pueden.
Did you know?
- The word puedes comes from the verb poder, which is also the root of the English word 'potent' and the term 'potency'.
- When telling a child 'no, you can't' in a Spanish-speaking household, parents often avoid no, no puedes and instead use no se puede, which translates to 'it is not permitted'. This shifts the focus from the person's ability to a general rule of the environment.
- In some Spanish-speaking contexts, repeating no twice is not seen as being rude or emphatic, but rather as a way to soften the blow of a refusal. While English speakers might find the repetition of no, no… redundant, it can sound more natural and conversational in Spanish.
Examples in context
- No, no puedes entrar aquí.No, you can't enter here.
- No, no puedes usar mi teléfono.No, you can't use my phone.
- No, no puedes ir al cine hoy.No, you can't go to the movies today.
