no pude

I couldn't

no pude(noh poo-deh)

phrase

1. (used to express ability; third person singular)

a. I couldn't

La caja era tan pesada que no pude levantarla.

The box was so heavy I couldn't lift it.

b. I was unable to

Tomé yo mismo la decisión porque no pude contactar contigo por teléfono.

I made the decision myself because I couldn't reach you on the phone.

2. (used to express moral obligation; third person singular)

a. I couldn't

Era un niño desvalido. No pude decirle que no.

He was a helpless child. I couldn't say no to him.

3. (used with "con" to express difficulty; third person singular)

a. I couldn't manage

No pude con tanto estrés y caí enfermo.

I couldn't manage so much stress and I fell ill.