Chinese phrase
不可以 bù ké yǐ
Meaning
not allowed
When to use it
States that an action is not permitted. It is a direct, neutral way to refuse permission, often because of a rule or limit.
Example dialogue
我们可以在办公室吃东西吗？ wǒ men ké yǐ zài bàn gōng shì chī dōng xī ma
Can we eat in the office?
不可以，办公室规定不允许吃东西。 bù ké yǐ bàn gōng shì guī dìng bù yún xǔ chī dōng xī
No, eating is not allowed under the office rules.