Korean phrase
~ 못해요. ~ mo tae yo
Meaning
I can't ___
When to use it
This means that the speaker cannot do something. It is a polite, gentle way to decline an invitation or request, often because of an existing plan.
Example dialogue
이번 주말에 같이 영화 볼래요? i beon chu ma re ka chi yeong hwa pol lae yo
Would you like to watch a movie together this weekend?
죄송하지만, 이번 주말에는 약속이 있어서 못해요. choe song ha ji man i beon chu ma re neun yak sso gi i sseo seo mo tae yo
I'm sorry, but I have plans this weekend, so I can't.