💳🚫

How to Say ‘Cards can't be used.’ in Japanese

カードは使えないんです。

kaado wa tsukae nai n desu

[kah-doh wah tsoo-kah-eh nai n dess]

💬 Usage Tip: Ending with んです adds a sense of "you see, that's the situation." It softens a refusal by presenting it as an explanation rather than a flat no.

Phrase Breakdown

カードは

kaado wa

cards (as for cards)

The particle は marks the topic. It is written は but pronounced 'wa': 'kaado wa'.

Example

カードは持っています。

I do have a card.

Words in this phrase

カード

kaado

[kah-doh]

card (credit/debit/IC card)

Loanword; used for credit/debit cards and sometimes point cards (context tells).

Example

カードで支払います。

I’ll pay by card.

は

[wah]

topic marker; as for

Marks 'today' as the topic. Written は but pronounced 'wa.'

Example

本日はお時間をいただき、ありがとうございます。

Thank you for giving me your time today.

使えないんです。

tsukae nai n desu

can't be used

使えない means 'cannot use', and んです adds an explanatory tone. Say it as 'tsukaenain desu'. Note the 'tsu' sound.

Example

このスマホは使えないんです。

This smartphone can't be used.

Words in this phrase

使え

tsukae

[tsoo-kah-eh]

can use

Stem form meaning to be able to use something.

Example

このお手洗いは使えますか。

Can this restroom be used?

ない

nai

[nai]

not; does not

Negative ending; with いか it forms 'doesn't go well.'

Example

仕事がうまくいかないです。

Work isn't going well.

ん

[n]

explanatory tone

ん adds an explanatory or noticing tone, like “so...” or “I see...”

Example

そう言うんですね。

So that’s how you say it, huh.

です

desu

[dess]

is; polite copula

A polite sentence ending used in formal conversation.

Example

少し伺いたいです。

I would like to ask a little.

Get the Full Learning Experience

This lesson is just a preview. Download PrettyFluent to practice pronunciation, roleplay conversations, and master vocabulary with spaced repetition.

Pronunciation Feedback

AI-powered feedback on what you say out loud

Spaced Repetition

Retain vocabulary long-term with smart practice

Immersive Roleplaying

Practice real conversations with AI partners

Lessons for Your Situation

Request lessons tailored to your specific needs

Get Full Lesson

What Learners Are Saying

“Teaching in Osaka and I wanted to connect with my students beyond the classroom. The everyday conversation made my Japanese feel natural, not textbook-y.”

Mia S., 25, English Teacher

“I hop cities every few months and this is the only app that actually prepares me for living somewhere, not just visiting. Tokyo was the real test — passed with flying colors.”

James O., 28, Remote Worker

“I tried five different apps before this one. The roleplay conversations are what finally made things click. I actually remember what I learn now.”

Sofia R., 31, Marketing Manager