Cannot in Tagalog

“Cannot” in Tagalog translates to “Hindi maaari”, “Hindi makakaya”, or “Hindi magagawa”, expressing inability or impossibility to perform an action. This modal verb is fundamental in conveying limitations and restrictions in daily communication.

Understanding how to properly use “cannot” in Tagalog requires knowing the context and nuances of Filipino expressions. Below is a comprehensive analysis of this essential term.

[Words] = Cannot

[Definition]:

• Cannot /ˈkænɒt/ or /kæˈnɒt/
• Modal verb: Used to express inability, impossibility, or lack of permission to do something.
• Contraction: The negative form of “can” + “not”.

[Synonyms] = Hindi maaari, Hindi makakaya, Hindi magagawa, Di-maaari, Ayaw, Bawal

[Example]:

Ex1_EN: I cannot swim because I never learned.
Ex1_PH: Hindi ako marunong lumangoy dahil hindi ako natuto.

Ex2_EN: She cannot attend the meeting tomorrow.
Ex2_PH: Hindi siya makakadalo sa pulong bukas.

Ex3_EN: They cannot solve this problem without help.
Ex3_PH: Hindi nila malulutas ang problemang ito nang walang tulong.

Ex4_EN: We cannot ignore the importance of education.
Ex4_PH: Hindi natin maaaring balewalain ang kahalagahan ng edukasyon.

Ex5_EN: He cannot speak Tagalog fluently yet.
Ex5_PH: Hindi pa siya marunong magsalita ng Tagalog nang matatas.