No can

/NO CAN/

Can't. Not possible.

Pidgin drops verbs. "Cannot" or "can't" becomes simply "no can." Completely clear in context. Used hundreds of times a day across the islands.

Examples

  • No can, brah.
  • Wat, can or no can?
  • If no can, no can.

Origin

Pidgin English

Alternate spellings

No can dat, Wat can or no can

essential grammar

Related phrases

Stay go

Going. In the process of going. Currently doing.

Aloha

Hello. Goodbye. Love. The spirit of Hawaii.

Aunty / Uncle

Any older local person. Not actually your aunt or uncle.

Brah

Brother. Dude. Bro. Universal pidgin friend-word.

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