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How to Say ‘I can't right now.’ in Portuguese

Agora não posso.

ah-GOH-rah NOWN poh-soo

[ah-GOH-rah NOWN poh-soo]

🇵🇹 In Portugal: The word agora "now" leaves the door open, so this is a soft no to the moment, not necessarily to you.

Phrase Breakdown

Agora

[ah-GOH-rah]

now

At the present time or moment.

Example

Agora é a melhor hora para agir.

Now is the best time to act.

não

[NOWN]

not

Used to negate the meaning of a word or group of words.

Example

Não quero comer agora.

I don't want to eat now.

posso

[poh-soo]

can

To be able to do something.

Example

Posso te ajudar.

I can help you.

Guides for Portuguese learners

The Portuguese You Actually Need in Your First Month in PortugalThe European Portuguese phrases for your first weeks in Portugal: paperwork, renting a flat, the bank, the health centre, cafés, trains and your new neighbours.

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