You couldn't Meaning in English

expression · lemma: can

US

ˈju/ /ˈkʊdən/, /ˈkʊdənt

YOO KUH-dnt

UK

jˈuː/ /ˈkʊd(ə)nt

YOO KUD-nt

Definition

'You couldn't' is the negative past form of 'can,' meaning someone wasn't able to do something. It is also used to politely suggest that something is impossible or not allowed.

Usage & Nuances

Common in past-tense negatives and polite refusals. It can express inability ('You couldn't lift it') or suggestion ('You couldn't possibly mean that'). Don't confuse with 'you can't' (present). Often softened for politeness.

• Spanish: no pudiste - no podrías - no podías
• Portuguese (BR): você não pôde - você não poderia - você não podia
• Portuguese (PT): tu não pudeste - tu não poderias - tu não podias
• Chinese (Simplified): 你不能 - 你没能 - 你不会
• Chinese (Traditional): 你不能 - 你沒能 - 你不會
• Hindi: तुम नहीं कर सकते थे - तुम नहीं कर सकते
• Arabic: لم تستطع - لم تكن لتستطيع
• Bengali: তুমি পারতে না - তুমি করতে পারনি
• Russian: ты не мог - вы не могли
• Japanese: あなたはできなかった
• Vietnamese: bạn không thể
• Korean: 너는 할 수 없었다
• Turkish: yapamazdın
• Urdu: آپ نہیں کر سکتے تھے
• Indonesian: kamu tidak bisa

Example Sentences

You couldn't find your keys this morning.

basic

You couldn't open the door because it was locked.

basic

You couldn't go to the party last weekend.

basic

You couldn't possibly think that's a good idea.

natural

I was so tired, you couldn't blame me for falling asleep.

natural

There was so much noise that you couldn't hear yourself think.

natural