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нельзя́

Daily used word (top 300)

  • 1.

    one cannot, you can't, it's impossible

    Example:

    Естественные права нельзя отобрать, отнять.

    Natural rights cannot be granted, taken, or laid down.

  • 2.

    one should not, it is not allowed, one must not (it is prohibited / forbidden)

    Example:

    здесь нельзя́ кури́ть

    no smoking here

Info: Always use нельзя́ to negate мо́жно (never не мо́жно) a) Using perfective with нельзя means that the action is impossible: Дверь нельзя открыть = The door cannot be opened (it doesn't open). b) Using imperfective with нельзя means that the action is prohibited or undesirable: Здесь нельзя курить = No smoking.

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Contributions

  • Sandy edited usage info 2 years ago.
  • Sandy edited usage info 2 years ago.
  • Sandy edited translation 2 years ago.
  • Sandy edited translation 2 years ago.

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