How to Say ‘I can't eat it’ in Japanese
食べられません
tabe rare mase n
[tah-beh rah-REH mah-seh n]
💬 Usage Tip: 食べられません is the "can't" form of 食べる "eat". The food you can't eat is marked with が instead of を: 豚肉が食べられません.
Phrase Breakdown
食べ
tabe
[tah-beh]
eat (stem of 食べる)
Verb stem of 食べる (to eat). Used before て-form: 食べて.
今度食べてみたいです。まずは少し食べてみます。
I want to try it next time. For now, I’ll try a little.
られ
rare
[rah-REH]
can (potential form)
Verb suffix expressing ability; with 食べ it means 'can eat'.
納豆は食べられますか。
Can you eat natto?
ませ
mase
[mah-seh]
polite negative (part of ません)
「ませ」 is part of 「ません」, the polite negative form.
はいていません。
I haven’t vomited.
ん
n
[n]
not (negative)
The final sound of the polite negative ending ません.
お酒は飲めません。
I can't drink alcohol.
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 LessonWhat 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