How to Say ‘I couldn't come to visit you’ in Japanese
お見舞いに行けなくて
o mimai ni ike naku te
[o mee-MAI ni ee-keh naku teh]
💬 Usage Tip: 行けなくて is the can't-form of 行く with て, which gives the reason for the apology that follows. The same shape works for other verbs: 来られなくて "because I couldn't come."
Phrase Breakdown
お
o
[o]
polite prefix
A prefix added to words to show respect.
お邪魔します、おじゃまします。
Excuse me for disturbing.
見舞い
mimai
[mee-MAI]
visit to a sick person
Visiting or sending wishes to someone who is ill or injured.
祖母のお見舞いに行きます。
I'll visit my grandmother in hospital.
に
ni
[ni]
to
Indicates direction or purpose of an action.
お父さんにプレゼントをあげます。
I will give a present to my father.
行け
ike
[ee-keh]
can go
The stem of 行ける, meaning to be able to go.
ここから歩いて行けます。
You can walk there from here.
なく
naku
[naku]
not
Negative form indicator.
今日は行けなくなった。
I can't go today.
て
te
[teh]
and; -te form
A linking form used to connect verbs to following grammar, such as progressive or polite forms.
仕事を探している人と話しました。
I spoke with a person who is looking for work.
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