I Can’t go : 我去不了 (wǒ qù bù liǎo)
- 我不能去 (wǒ bù néng qù) – I can’t go. This is the most direct and neutral way to say it.
🧍Common daily-life variations:
- 我没办法去 (wǒ méi bàn fǎ qù) – I have no way to go / I can’t make it. More natural and polite. Used a lot when you want to go but can’t for some reason.
- 我去不了 (wǒ qù bù liǎo) – I’m unable to go / I can’t make it. Emphasizes physical or logistical inability (like schedule conflicts).
- 我真的走不开 (wǒ zhēn de zǒu bù kāi) – I really can’t leave (now). Used when you’re tied up with something (e.g., work or family duties).
- 我抽不出时间 (wǒ chōu bù chū shí jiān) – I can’t find the time. Polite way to explain you’re too busy.
- 我有事，去不了 (wǒ yǒu shì, qù bù liǎo) – I have something going on, so I can’t go. Very common and casual.
🧾 Example Situations:
- 朋友约你吃饭 (Friend invites you to dinner)
- “哎呀，不好意思，我今天去不了。”
(Āi yā, bù hǎo yì si, wǒ jīn tiān qù bù liǎo.)
→ “Ah, sorry, I can’t go today.”
- 老板要你加班 (Boss asks you to stay late)
- “我真的走不开，还有别的事情。”
(Wǒ zhēn de zǒu bù kāi, hái yǒu bié de shì qíng.)
→ “I really can’t leave, I have other things going on.”
