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How to Say ‘I can't do ten.’ in Spain Spanish

A las diez no puedo.

ah lahs dyez noh PWEH-doh

[ah lahs dyez noh PWEH-doh]

💬 Usage Tip: Putting the time first makes it clear that ten is the problem. You can do the same with a day: El lunes no puedo "I can't do Monday".

Phrase Breakdown

A las diez

ah lahs dyez

At ten

The time comes first for emphasis. 'Diez' sounds like 'dieth' in Spain.

Example

A las diez estoy en casa.

At ten I'm at home.

Words in this phrase

[ah]

Used to indicate a specific location or point in time.

Example

Nos vemos a las cinco.

We’ll meet at five.

las

[lahs]

the (feminine plural)

Definite article used with feminine plural nouns (e.g., las religiones). It specifies which ones you mean.

Example

En un diálogo interreligioso, escuchamos a Las personas con respeto.

In an interfaith dialogue, we listen to the people with respect.

diez

[dyez]

ten

Number 10.

Example

Faltan diez minutos.

There are ten minutes left.

no puedo.

noh PWEH-doh

I can't.

'Puedo' comes from 'poder' (can). Stress PUE-do and keep the 'p' soft, without a puff of air.

Example

Lo siento, no puedo.

Sorry, I can't.

Words in this phrase

[noh]

not

Basic negative word placed before the verb in Spanish.

Example

No veo el taxi aquí.

I do not see the taxi here.

puedo

[PWEH-doh]

I can

First person singular of poder; expresses ability or possibility.

Example

Puedo reunirme contigo el jueves.

I can meet with you on Thursday.

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