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"No" is a form of "no", an adverb which is often translated as "no". "No puedes" is a phrase which is often translated as "you can't". Learn more about the difference between "no" and "no puedes" below.
no(
noh
)An adverb is a word that describes a verb, an adjective, or other adverbs (e.g., to run quickly, very tired).
1. (negation)
a. no
¿Te gustó el concierto? - No, ese estilo de música no me gusta.Did you like the concert? - No, I don't like that style of music.
c. non-
Una organización no gubernamental es una asociación que actúa con independencia del gobierno.A non-governmental organization is an association that operates independently from the government.
a. no direct translation
This refers to an idiomatic word or phrase for which there is no word-for-word translation.
Vamos a la fiesta esta noche ¿no?We're going to the party tonight, aren't we?
Firmaste el contrato ¿no?You signed the contract, didn't you?
a. no direct translation
This refers to an idiomatic word or phrase for which there is no word-for-word translation.
Deberíamos llamarlos ¿no?We should call them, shouldn't we?
Te acompaño ¿no?Why don't I come with you?
An interjection is a short utterance that expresses emotion, hesitation, or protest (e.g., Wow!).
a. no
Quiero que limpies tu cuarto ahora mismo. - ¡No!I want you to clean your room right now. - No!
no puedes(
noh
pweh
-
dehs
)A phrase is a group of words commonly used together (e.g., once upon a time).
1. (informal) (don't have the ability to; second person singular)
A word or phrase used to refer to the second person informal “tú” by their conjugation or implied context (e.g., How are you?).
a. you can't
Es cierto que no puedes cantar tan bien como ella, pero tu voz es más cálida.It's true you can't sing as well as she does, but your voice is warmer.
b. you're not able to
Si no puedes hacerte un largo de piscina, ¿cómo vas a cruzar el río nadando?If you're not able to swim one length in the pool, how are you going to swim accross the river?
c. you're unable to
Papá, está claro que no puedes entender nada; es imposible hablar contigo.Dad, you're clearly unable to understand anything; it's impossible to speak with you.
2. (informal) (don't have permission to; second person singular)
A word or phrase used to refer to the second person informal “tú” by their conjugation or implied context (e.g., How are you?).
a. you can't
Mamá, ¿puedo ir a jugar a casa de Jorge? - No, no puedes, es casi la hora de cenar.Mom, can I go to play at Jorge's? - No, you can't; it's almost dinner time.
b. you may not
¿Puedo irme ya? - No, no puedes. La clase no ha acabado todavía.May I leave now? - No, you may not. The class hasn't finished yet.
c. you're not allowed to
No puedes bañarte en este tramo del río. Lo prohibieron porque la corriente es muy fuerte.You're not allowed to swim in this stretch of the river. They prohibited it because the current is very strong.
3. (informal) (can't cope with; second person singular; used with "con")
A word or phrase used to refer to the second person informal “tú” by their conjugation or implied context (e.g., How are you?).
a. you can't manage
Si no puedes con todo el trabajo, siempre puedes pedir ayuda a tus compañeros.If you can't manage all the work, you can always ask your colleagues for help.
