How do you say "I can't have" in French?

"I can't have" in French is "Je ne peux pas prendre". This phrase is commonly used in France.

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How to Say ‘I can't have’ in French

Q: What does "Je ne peux pas prendre" mean in English?

"Je ne peux pas prendre" means "I can't have" in English. Usage tip: French often keeps the full negative around the verb in careful speech: [ne peux pas]. In fast spoken French, you will often hear it shortened to just [je peux pas].

Je ne peux pas prendre

zhuh nuh puh pah prahn-druh

[zhuh nuh puh pah prahn-druh]

💬 Usage Tip: French often keeps the full negative around the verb in careful speech: [ne peux pas]. In fast spoken French, you will often hear it shortened to just [je peux pas].

Phrase Breakdown

[zhuh]

The subject pronoun for speaking about yourself.

Example

Je dis Je ne peux pas prendre certains laits.

I say I cannot have certain milks.

[nuh]

not

Used with a verb and pas to make negation in standard French.

Example

Dans Je ne peux pas prendre, ne marque la négation.

In I cannot have, ne marks negation.

peux

[puh]

can

From pouvoir; here it expresses ability or possibility.

Example

Je ne peux pas prendre du lait de vache.

I cannot have cow's milk.

pas

[pah]

not

Used with ne to form 'not'.

Example

Dans Je ne peux pas prendre, pas complète la négation.

In I cannot have, pas completes the negation.

prendre

[prahn-druh]

to take / have

Used for consuming, choosing, or having food and drink.

Example

Je ne peux pas prendre de crème dans mon café.

I cannot have cream in my coffee.

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