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Essential Word

cannot

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mâi dâai

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ไม่ได้

#25 most commonphrase↘ falling tone

What does ไม่ได้ mean?

Essential negative phrase meaning 'cannot' or 'unable to'. Used to express inability, impossibility, or when something didn't happen. Thai speakers use this constantly in daily conversation to politely decline requests, explain limitations, or describe past events that didn't occur. More common than English 'can't'.

Example Phrases

pǒm bpai mâi dâai

ผมไปไม่ได้

I cannot go.

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Beginner

gin aa-hǎan pèt mâi dâai

กินอาหารเผ็ดไม่ได้

Cannot eat spicy food.

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Beginner

pûut paa-sǎa tai mâi dâai

พูดภาษาไทยไม่ได้

I cannot speak Thai.

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Beginner

mɯ̂a kɯɯn nɔɔn mâi dâai

เมื่อคืนนอนไม่ได้

Cannot sleep last night.

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Beginner

chái too-ra-sàp mâi dâai

ใช้โทรศัพท์ไม่ได้

Cannot use the phone.

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Beginner

wan níi chûai kun mâi dâai prɔ́ yûng mâak

วันนี้ช่วยคุณไม่ได้เพราะยุ่งมาก

I cannot help you today because I'm very busy.

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Intermediate

Related Words

mâi sǎa-mâat

ไม่สามารถ

cannot (different usage)

mâi

ไม่

no/not

dâai

ได้

can/able to

mâi yàak

ไม่อยาก

don't want

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