I can't believe Meaning in English

expression

US

ˈaɪ/ /ˈkænt/ /bɪˈɫiv

EYE KANT bee-LEEV

UK

ˈaɪ/ /kɑːnt/ /bɪlˈiːv

EYE KAHNT bil-EEV

Definition

An expression you use when something is surprising, shocking, or hard to accept. Can show either positive or negative emotions.

Usage & Nuances

Informal and very common in speech. Used for good or bad news. Often followed by explanation ('I can't believe she got the job!'). For even stronger feeling, say 'I can't believe it!' or 'I just can't believe...'. Be careful not to overuse, or it might sound less sincere.

• Spanish: no puedo creerlo - no me lo creo
• Portuguese (BR): não acredito - não posso acreditar
• Portuguese (PT): não acredito - não posso acreditar
• Chinese (Simplified): 我不敢相信
• Chinese (Traditional): 我不敢相信
• Hindi: मुझे विश्वास नहीं हो रहा
• Arabic: لا أستطيع أن أصدق
• Bengali: আমি বিশ্বাস করতে পারছি না
• Russian: я не могу поверить
• Japanese: 信じられない
• Vietnamese: tôi không thể tin được
• Korean: 믿을 수가 없어 - 믿기지 않아
• Turkish: inanamıyorum
• Urdu: مجھے یقین نہیں آ رہا
• Indonesian: saya tidak percaya

Example Sentences

I can't believe it's already December.

basic

I can't believe you finished so quickly.

basic

I can't believe my team lost the game.

basic

Wow, I can't believe you remembered my birthday!

natural

I can't believe how expensive everything is nowadays.

natural

I can't believe he said that to the boss.

natural