How to Say ‘You can't’ in Spain Spanish
No puede
noh PWEH-deh
[noh PWEH-deh]
💬 Usage Tip: Spanish often uses the present tense for rules and permission. So No puede can mean not just you can't in general, but you're not allowed to right now.
Phrase Breakdown
No
[noh]
No
A word for giving a negative response or denying permission.
No puede salir ahora.
He cannot leave now.
puede
[PWEH-deh]
Can
To express ability or possibility; used with 'no' for inability.
Ella no puede ir a la fiesta.
She cannot go to the party.
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