How do you say "You can't" in Portuguese?

"You can't" in Portuguese is "Você não pode". This phrase is commonly used in Portugal.

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How to Say ‘You can't’ in Portuguese

Q: What does "Você não pode" mean in English?

"Você não pode" means "You can't" in English. Usage tip: Portuguese usually makes negation with [não] before the verb: [não pode], [não quer], [não veio]. That same pattern works with lots of verbs.

Você não pode

vo-SEH NOW POH-jee

[vo-SEH NOW POH-jee]

💬 Usage Tip: Portuguese usually makes negation with [não] before the verb: [não pode], [não quer], [não veio]. That same pattern works with lots of verbs.

🇵🇹 In Portugal: Saying [você não pode] to a stranger in Portugal can come off sharp because [você] itself often feels blunt. [O senhor não pode] would sound more controlled and locally natural.

Phrase Breakdown

Você

[vo-SEH]

You

A pronoun used to address the person one is speaking to.

Example

Você não pode entrar aqui.

You cannot enter here.

não

[NOW]

Not

A word used to form a negative clause or phrase.

Example

Você não pode sair.

You cannot leave.

pode

[POH-jee]

Can

Used to indicate the ability to do something.

Example

Você pode ir à festa?

Can you go to the party?

Guides for Portuguese learners

The Portuguese You Actually Need in Your First Month in PortugalThe European Portuguese phrases for your first weeks in Portugal: paperwork, renting a flat, the bank, the health centre, cafés, trains and your new neighbours.

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