Im Kapitel
Mastering Ability and Daily Actions
Negative Ability: Using Nahin with Sak
To say "cannot," sandwich `नहीं` (`nahin`) between the verb stem and the gendered `sak` form.
The Rule in 30 Seconds
- Use `नहीं` (`nahin`) + `sakta/sakti/sakte`.
- Means "cannot" (physical/situational).
- Stem usually comes before `नहीं` (`nahin`).
- Agrees with subject's gender.
Quick Reference
| Subject | Verb Stem | Negative | Ability (Sak-) | Auxiliary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| मैं (Main) - M | ja (go) | नहीं (nahin) | सकता (sakta) | हूं (hoon) |
| मैं (Main) - F | khel (play) | नहीं (nahin) | सकती (sakti) | हूं (hoon) |
| तुम (Tum) - M | dekh (see) | नहीं (nahin) | सकते (sakte) | ho |
| तुम (Tum) - F | sun (hear) | नहीं (nahin) | सकती (sakti) | ho |
| वह (Voh) - He | aa (come) | नहीं (nahin) | सकता (sakta) | है (hai) |
| वह (Voh) - She | gaa (sing) | नहीं (nahin) | सकती (sakti) | है (hai) |
| Hum/Aap/Ve | chal (walk) | नहीं (nahin) | सकते (sakte) | हैं (hain) |
Wichtige Beispiele
3 von 10मैं आज रात बाहर नहीं आ सकता।
I cannot come out tonight.
मेरी दादी अब तेज़ नहीं चल सकतीं।
My grandmother cannot walk fast now.
हम यह पानी नहीं पी सकते।
We cannot drink this water.
Drop the 'Hoon'
In fast, casual conversation, you can drop the final `हूं` (`hoon`) or `है` (`hai`). `Main nahin aa sakta` is totally sufficient and makes you sound more local.
Gender Check
Always check your own gender ending! If you are a guy, you are always `सकता` (`sakta`). If you are a girl, you are always `सकती` (`sakti`). It doesn't matter who you are talking to.
The Rule in 30 Seconds
- Use `नहीं` (`nahin`) + `sakta/sakti/sakte`.
- Means "cannot" (physical/situational).
- Stem usually comes before `नहीं` (`nahin`).
- Agrees with subject's gender.
Overview
So, you want to say "no"? Or maybe "I can't"? Whether you're trying to politely decline a spicy vindaloo that looks like lava, or you simply don't have the superhero strength to lift a sofa, expressing inability is crucial. This is your go-to structure for hitting the brakes. It's not just about saying what you *don't* do; it's about stating what is physically, mentally, or situationaly impossible for you. Think of it as the "Cannot" button on your Hindi remote control.
How This Grammar Works
In Hindi, the concept of "can" is handled by the root word sak. When we want to make it negative ("cannot"), we invite our old friend नहीं (nahin) to the party. The magic happens when you sandwich the ability helper sak with the negative marker. Unlike English where "can't" is one word, Hindi likes to keep the "no" (नहीं (nahin)) and the "ability" (sak) distinct but close. It turns a standard sentence into a statement of limitation.
Formation Pattern
- 1Here is the recipe for a perfect refusal:
- 2Start with your Subject (I, You, He, She, etc.).
- 3Drop your Object if you have one (the thing you can't do/eat/see).
- 4Take the main Verb Stem (remove
न(na) from the infinitive. e.g.,khelna->khel). - 5Add
नहीं(nahin). - 6Add
sak+ the gender/number suffix (ta,ti,te). - 7Finish with the Auxiliary Verb (
हूं(hoon),है(hai),हैं(hain), etc.). - 8The Golden Formula:
- 9Subject + Object + Verb Stem +
नहीं(nahin) +sak(ta/ti/te) + Auxiliary - 10*Example:*
मैं(Main) (I) +Hindi(Hindi) +padh(read) +नहीं(nahin) +सकता(sakta) (can) +हूं(hoon) (am). - 11=
Main Hindi nahin padh sakta hoon.(I cannot read Hindi.)
When To Use It
Use this pattern whenever ability or possibility is blocked.
- Physical Inability: "I cannot run fast." (
Main tez nahin bhaag sakta.) - Lack of Skill: "I cannot cook." (
Main khana nahin bana sakti.) - Situational Constraint: "I cannot come tomorrow." (
Main kal nahin aa sakta.) - Prohibition (Mild): "You cannot park here." (
Aap yahan park nahin kar sakte.)
When Not To Use It
Don't use this if you simply *don't* want to do something but technically could. If you say Main aaloo nahin kha sakta, it means you are allergic or full. If you just hate potatoes, you'd say Main aaloo nahin khata (I don't eat potatoes). Also, avoid this for strong legal prohibitions; generally, mana है (mana hai) (is forbidden) is better for "No Smoking" signs.
Common Mistakes
- The Gender Trap: Guys, make sure you use
सकता(sakta). Ladies, own thatसकती(sakti). Groups or elders getसकते(sakte). A guy sayingMain nahin ja saktimight get a confused look! - The Missing Stem: Don't use the full infinitive.
Main nahin jaana saktais wrong. It must beMain nahin ja sakta. - Word Order Salad: Putting
नहीं(nahin) at the very end.Main ja sakta nahinsounds poetic or archaic, but in modern chat, it sounds like Yoda speak.
Contrast With Similar Patterns
- Simple Present Negative (
नहीं ta(Nahin ta)):Main cricket nahin khelta(I don't play cricket - by choice or habit). - Negative Ability (
नहीं सकता(Nahin sakta)):Main cricket nahin khel sakta(I can't play cricket - broken leg, no time, or don't know how). - Past Inability (
नहीं saka(Nahin saka)):Main nahin ja saka(I couldn't go). Note the change fromसकता(sakta) tosaka. That's a story for another day, but keep it in mind!
Quick FAQ
Q: Can I drop the हूं (hoon) or है (hai) at the end?
In casual spoken Hindi? Absolutely. Main nahin aa sakta is perfectly fine and very common.
Q: Can नहीं (nahin) come before the verb stem?
Yes! Main nahin kar sakta and Main kar nahin sakta are both heard. The second one emphasizes the *action* slightly more, but stick to the first pattern for now—it's safer.
Q: Is this rude?
Not inherently, but a bare "I can't" can be blunt. Add Maaf kijiye (Sorry) before it to soften the blow. "Sorry, I can't come" lands better than just "I can't come."
Reference Table
| Subject | Verb Stem | Negative | Ability (Sak-) | Auxiliary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| मैं (Main) - M | ja (go) | नहीं (nahin) | सकता (sakta) | हूं (hoon) |
| मैं (Main) - F | khel (play) | नहीं (nahin) | सकती (sakti) | हूं (hoon) |
| तुम (Tum) - M | dekh (see) | नहीं (nahin) | सकते (sakte) | ho |
| तुम (Tum) - F | sun (hear) | नहीं (nahin) | सकती (sakti) | ho |
| वह (Voh) - He | aa (come) | नहीं (nahin) | सकता (sakta) | है (hai) |
| वह (Voh) - She | gaa (sing) | नहीं (nahin) | सकती (sakti) | है (hai) |
| Hum/Aap/Ve | chal (walk) | नहीं (nahin) | सकते (sakte) | हैं (hain) |
Drop the 'Hoon'
In fast, casual conversation, you can drop the final `हूं` (`hoon`) or `है` (`hai`). `Main nahin aa sakta` is totally sufficient and makes you sound more local.
Gender Check
Always check your own gender ending! If you are a guy, you are always `सकता` (`sakta`). If you are a girl, you are always `सकती` (`sakti`). It doesn't matter who you are talking to.
Softening the 'No'
Indians often find a direct "I can't" a bit harsh. It's polite to preface it with `Shayad` (Maybe) or `Maaf karna` (Forgive me) so you don't break hearts.
The 'Mat' Trap
Don't use `Mat` (don't) here! `Mat` is only for commands (Don't do that!). For ability, it's always `नहीं` (`Nahin`). `Mat aa सकता` (`Mat aa sakta`) sounds like gibberish.
Beispiele
10मैं आज रात बाहर नहीं आ सकता।
Focus: नहीं aa सकता (nahin aa sakta)
I cannot come out tonight.
Situational inability (busy/tired).
मेरी दादी अब तेज़ नहीं चल सकतीं।
Focus: नहीं chal saktin (nahin chal saktin)
My grandmother cannot walk fast now.
Physical inability due to age.
हम यह पानी नहीं पी सकते।
Focus: नहीं pee सकते (nahin pee sakte)
We cannot drink this water.
Maybe it's dirty or forbidden.
क्या तुम मेरी मदद नहीं कर सकते?
Focus: नहीं kar सकते (nahin kar sakte)
Can you not help me?
Negative question/request.
मैं मछली नहीं खाता। (✗ Incorrect context)
Focus: नहीं khaata (nahin khaata)
I don't eat fish (habit).
Use this for preference, not inability.
मैं मछली नहीं खा सकता। (✓ Correct)
Focus: नहीं kha सकता (nahin kha sakta)
I cannot eat fish (allergy/unavailable).
Correct for inability.
राहुल फ्रेंच नहीं बोल सकता।
Focus: नहीं bol सकता (nahin bol sakta)
Rahul cannot speak French.
Lack of skill/knowledge.
माफ कीजिए, मैं आपको पैसे उधार नहीं दे सकता।
Focus: नहीं de सकता (nahin de sakta)
Sorry, I cannot lend you money.
Polite refusal.
वह (Female) गाड़ी नहीं चला सकती।
Focus: नहीं chala सकती (nahin chala sakti)
She cannot drive the car.
Focus on feminine ending.
बच्चे शोर नहीं मचा सकते।
Focus: नहीं macha सकते (nahin macha sakte)
Children cannot make noise.
Prohibition/Rule.
Teste dich selbst
Choose the correct form for a male speaker.
Main yeh kaam ___ sakta.
We need `नहीं` (`nahin`) + verb stem (`kar`) before `सकता` (`sakta`).
Select the correct ending for 'Hum' (We).
Hum wahan nahin ja ___.
`हम` (`Hum`) is plural, so we use the plural ending `सकते` (`sakte`).
Complete the sentence regarding inability.
Voh (She) Hindi ___ bol sakti.
`नहीं` (`Nahin`) is the standard negative marker used with `sakta/sakti` statements.
🎉 Ergebnis: /3
Visuelle Lernhilfen
Don't vs. Can't
Can I do it?
Is it possible for you?
Do you simply not want to?
Is it a habit?
Common Excuses
Health
- • Nahin chal sakta
- • Nahin kha sakta
Busy
- • Nahin mil sakta
- • Nahin ruk sakta
Money
- • Nahin le sakta
- • Nahin de sakta
Häufig gestellte Fragen
20 FragenNo, सकता (sakta) agrees with the **subject** (the doer), not the object. If *I* (male) cannot eat ten apples, it's still Main ... nahin kha sakta.
Yes! Main kal nahin aa sakta (I cannot come tomorrow) refers to the future but uses the present tense form. It implies the inability exists *now* regarding a future event.
Then you change the auxiliary! Main nahin bhaag sakta tha (I could not run). Tha puts it in the past.
Very subtle. नहीं aa सकता (Nahin aa sakta) is neutral. Aa नहीं सकता (Aa nahin sakta) puts a tiny spotlight on the action of *coming*—like "Coming is what I cannot do."
Start with Kya (What) or just change your tone. Kya tum nahin aa sakte? (Can't you come?).
Saka is strictly past tense (could not) and is usually used without tha. Main nahin aa saka (I couldn't come / failed to come).
It's neutral! You make it formal by using आप (Aap) and सकते हैं (sakte hain). You make it informal by using Tu and सकता है (sakta hai).
Yes, somewhat. Aap yahan nahin baith sakte (You cannot sit here). It sounds like stating a rule.
It stays pure! Just the root. No न (na), no ta, no ga. Just khel, kha, pi, etc.
In context, you can drop it. If someone asks "Can you eat?", you can just reply नहीं kha सकता (Nahin kha sakta).
Replace नहीं (nahin) with kabhi नहीं (kabhi nahin). Main yeh kabhi nahin kar sakta (I can never do this).
Mumkin नहीं (Mumkin nahin) means "It's not possible." It's impersonal. Main nahin kar sakta is personal ability.
Complex verbs like saaf karna work the same. Main saaf nahin kar sakta (I cannot clean).
In poetry or very rapid speech, maybe. But for learners? Stick to नहीं (nahin). Na is risky here.
Main dhoondh nahin sakta (I cannot find). Or idiomatic: Mujhe nahin mil raha (I am not finding it).
Yes. Main samajh nahin sakta (I cannot understand).
That's idiomatically different usually, but literally Main hansna nahin rok sakta works.
It's a modal auxiliary verb. It helps the main verb express mode (ability).
Yes, if that person is respected (like Dad or a Boss). Papa nahin aa sakte (Dad cannot come).
Not really! This is one of the most regular patterns in Hindi. Enjoy the consistency!
Lerne zuerst diese
Das Verständnis dieser Konzepte hilft dir, diese Grammatikregel zu meistern.
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