How to Say ‘No, I can't come.’ in French
Non, je ne peux pas venir.
nohng zhuh nuh puh pah vuh-neer
[nohng zhuh nuh puh pah vuh-neer]
💬 Usage Tip: Classic negation: ne... pas around the verb peux. In casual speech, ne is often dropped, but keep it for correct standard French.
🇫🇷 In France: A polite refusal is totally normal; no need for a huge explanation unless you want to give one.
Phrase Breakdown
Non
[nohng]
no
A common way to say no in French.
Non, je ne peux pas venir ce soir.
No, I can't come tonight.
je
[zhuh]
I
The subject pronoun for talking about yourself.
Je suis désolé, non, je ne peux pas venir.
I am sorry, no, I can't come.
ne
[nuh]
not
First part of standard negation in French, often paired with pas.
Non, je ne peux pas venir demain.
No, I can't come tomorrow.
peux
[puh]
can / am able to
From the verb pouvoir, used to express ability or possibility.
Non, je ne peux pas venir à la réunion.
No, I can't come to the meeting.
pas
[pah]
not
Second part of standard negation with ne.
Non, je ne peux pas venir ce matin.
No, I can't come this morning.
venir
[vuh-neer]
to come
Infinitive of venir, meaning to come.
Non, je ne peux pas venir après l'école.
No, I can't come after school.
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