🚫❌🏃

How to Say ‘I really can't miss it’ in Portuguese

Não posso mesmo faltar

nowng POH-soo MEHZ-moo fahl-TAR

[nowng POH-soo MEHZ-moo fahl-TAR]

💬 Usage Tip: faltar means to be absent from something, so you need no word for "it". mesmo adds emphasis, like "really".

Phrase Breakdown

Não posso

nowng POH-soo

I can't

'Posso' is 'I can' from 'poder'. The 'não' is nasal, like 'nowng'.

Example

Hoje não posso.

I can't today.

Words in this phrase

Não

[nowng]

no / not

A negative word used to deny or negate something.

Example

Não temos valet, mas há estacionamento perto.

We do not have valet, but there is parking nearby.

posso

[POH-soo]

I can

First-person form of 'poder', meaning 'I can' or 'I am able to'.

Example

Sim, posso pedir essa mesa para si.

Yes, I can request that table for you.

mesmo faltar

MEHZ-moo fahl-TAR

really miss it

'Mesmo' adds emphasis ('really'). 'Faltar' means to be absent or to miss an event. The 's' in 'mesmo' sounds like 'zh'.

Example

Não podes mesmo faltar à aula.

You really can't miss class.

Words in this phrase

mesmo

[MEHZ-moo]

really

Very; truly.

Example

Ele é mesmo dedicado ao exercício.

He is really dedicated to exercise.

faltar

[fahl-TAR]

to miss / be absent

To fail to attend or be missing.

Example

Não quero faltar à festa.

I don't want to miss the party.

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.

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

“Moved to Lisbon with zero Portuguese and honestly thought I’d be pointing at menus forever. Three weeks in and I’m having real conversations with my landlord.”

Priya N., 35, Freelance Designer

“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

“Learning a language has never been as immediately impactful. Now I can charm the locals and navigate the food scene like a boss.”

Alex M., 42, Software Engineer