no pueden

they can't

no pueden(noh pweh-dehn)

phrase

1. (used to talk about ability; third person plural)

a. they can't

Son niños muy pequeños, y todavía no pueden montar en bici.

They're very young children, and they can't yet ride a bike.

b. can't

Aunque son aves, las avestruces no pueden volar.

Although they're birds, ostriches can't fly.

2. (used to talk about ability; second person plural)

a. you can't

Si no pueden levantar el piano, nosotros les ayudamos.

If you can't lift the piano, we'll help you.

3. (used to talk about permission; third person plural)

a. they can't

Diles a esos señores que no pueden entrar en el recinto de las obras sin casco.

Tell those men they can't go into the works site if they're not wearing a helmet.

b. can't

Los niños no pueden ir solos al cine. Tienen que ir acompañados de un adulto.

Children can't go to the movies alone. They must be accompanied by an adult.

4. (used to talk about permission; second person plural)

a. you can't

No pueden bañarse en este tramo del río. Está prohibido.

You can't swim in this stretch of the river. It's forbidden.