Cannot make it Meaning in English

expression

US

ˈkænɑt/, /kəˈnɑt/ /ˈmeɪk/ /ˈɪt/, /ɪt

KAN-not MAYK IT

UK

kəˈnɑt/ /mˈeɪk/ /ˈɪt

kuh-NOT MAYK IT

Definition

Used to say you are unable to attend, participate in, or arrive at an event or meeting.

Usage & Nuances

Informal and common in spoken and written invitations or scheduling. Often short for 'cannot make it to the meeting/party/etc.' Can also mean 'cannot arrive on time.' Not appropriate in very formal writing.

• Spanish: no poder ir - no poder llegar
• Portuguese (BR): não poder ir - não conseguir
• Portuguese (PT): não poder ir - não conseguir
• Chinese (Simplified): 不能来 - 赶不到
• Chinese (Traditional): 不能來 - 趕不到
• Hindi: नहीं आ सकता/सकती - नहीं पहुँच सकता/सकती
• Arabic: لا يمكنني الحضور - لا أستطيع الوصول
• Bengali: যেতে পারব না - আসতে পারব না
• Russian: не смогу прийти - не получится прийти - не смогу прийти вовремя
• Japanese: 行けない - 参加できない
• Vietnamese: không thể đến được - không thể tham gia
• Korean: 갈 수 없다 - 참석할 수 없다
• Turkish: gelemem - katılamam
• Urdu: آ نہیں سکتا - شریک نہیں ہو سکتا
• Indonesian: tidak bisa datang - tidak bisa hadir

Example Sentences

I cannot make it to your birthday party.

basic

Sorry, I cannot make it today.

basic

We cannot make it to the meeting because of traffic.

basic

Thanks for inviting me, but I cannot make it this weekend.

natural

I really wanted to come, but I cannot make it after all.

natural

If you cannot make it, just let me know.

natural