How to Say ‘I can't eat spicy food.’ in Traditional Chinese
我不能吃辣。
wǒ bù néng chī là
[waw boo nung chir lah]
💬 Usage Tip: 不能 "can't" + 吃 + food tells people what you can't eat: 我不能吃牛肉 "I can't eat beef".
Phrase Breakdown
我不能
wǒ bù néng
I can't
我 (I) + 不能 (cannot). 不 stays 4th tone (bù) before the 2nd-tone 能.
我不能喝酒。
I can't drink alcohol.
Words in this phrase
我
wǒ
[waw]
me; I
The pronoun for me or I, depending on the sentence.
如果店員忘了，我會問「可以給我發票嗎？」
If the clerk forgets, I will ask, "Can you give me a receipt?"
不能
bù néng
[boo nung]
cannot; not able to
Used to express inability or restriction, often for allergies or dietary limits.
我不能吃太辣的東西。
I can't eat very spicy food.
吃辣。
chī là
eat spicy food
吃 (eat) + 辣 (spicy). Together they mean eating spicy food.
你喜歡吃辣嗎？
Do you like eating spicy food?
Words in this phrase
吃
chī
[chir]
eat
A basic verb used for eating food.
我今天不想吃海鮮。
I don't want to eat seafood today.
辣
là
[lah]
spicy
Describes food with heat or chili spice.
這個不要辣。
This one should not be spicy.
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
“Spent three months in Taiwan and this app was my lifeline. The tonal practice with real situations helped me sound less like a textbook and more like a person.”
Laura H., 28, Photographer
“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