Portuguese Phrase
Não vou poder ir.
Meaning
Literally, 'I will not be able to go.' It combines a negation with a near‑future construction to express that the speaker knows they will lack the ability or opportunity to attend something.
When to use
Use this phrase when you need to politely decline an invitation, a meeting, or any plan because you anticipate a future obstacle—like a scheduling conflict, illness, or transportation issue.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Nãovoupoderir.
Negation (Não)
Place 'não' before the verb phrase to make the whole sentence negative.
Near-future construction (vou + infinitive)
The verb 'ir' in the present (vou) followed by another infinitive expresses a near-future action.
Modal verb (poder)
'Poder' in infinitive after 'vou' indicates ability or permission in the future.
Double infinitive (poder ir)
When one verb modifies another (ability to go), both stay in infinitive form.
🗨In Conversation
Você pode vir ao jantar amanhã?
Can you come to dinner tomorrow?
Não, não vou poder ir. Tenho um compromisso de trabalho à noite.
No, I won't be able to go. I have a work commitment in the evening.
✕Common Mistakes
Não vou ir.
Missing the modal verb 'poder' changes the meaning to a simple future 'I will not go' rather than 'I won't be able to go.'
Não poderei ir.
While grammatically correct, this is more formal; using it in casual conversation can sound stiff.
Não vou poder de ir.
The preposition 'de' is unnecessary and makes the sentence ungrammatical.
↔Alternatives
Não poderei ir.
I won't be able to go.
Não vou conseguir ir.
I won't be able to go.
Não vou comparecer.
I won't be attending.
Cultural Tip
In Brazil, the near‑future form (vou + infinitive) is very common in everyday speech, especially in informal contexts. For formal writing or very polite requests, you might prefer the simple future 'não poderei ir.' Also, Brazilians often add a brief reason after the phrase to soften the refusal, as in the dialogue above.