Italian Phrase
No, non ce la faccio.
Meaning
Literally “No, I don’t do it,” but idiomatically it means “No, I can’t do it” or “I’m not able to manage it.” The phrase conveys a clear admission of inability.
When to use
Use this sentence when you have to refuse a request, decline an invitation, or simply tell someone that a task is beyond your current capacity. It’s common in both casual conversation and semi‑formal settings.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Nononcelafaccio
No
A simple interjection meaning “no”. It can stand alone or precede a full sentence.
non
The standard negation particle that precedes the verb (or verb phrase) to make it negative.
ce la
An idiomatic pronominal construction meaning “it” (or “the task”). It is used with verbs of ability (fare, riuscire, riuscire a).
faccio
First‑person singular present of fare (“to do / to make”). In the expression “ce la fare”, it means “to manage / to be able to do it”.
🗨In Conversation
Puoi venire al meeting domani?
Can you come to the meeting tomorrow?
No, non ce la faccio.
No, I can’t make it.
✕Common Mistakes
No, non lo faccio.
“Lo” refers to a masculine direct object, not the idiomatic “it” in the sense of ability.
No, non ci la faccio.
“Ci” is a regional variant (mostly northern Italy). It’s understandable but can sound odd to speakers from central/southern regions.
↔Alternatives
No, non riesco.
No, I can’t manage.
No, non posso farlo.
No, I can’t do it.
No, non ce la metto.
No, I’m not up to it.
Cultural Tip
The construction “ce la fare” is a staple of everyday Italian. It’s more informal than “riuscire a” but perfectly acceptable in most spoken contexts. In the north of Italy you’ll also hear the variant “ci la faccio”, which is interchangeable with “ce la faccio”. Avoid using it in very formal written requests; opt for “non sono in grado di” instead.