Chinese word

办不到

Pronunciation

Pinyinbàn bù dào

Meaning

  • verbcan't do

Example

这件事你一个人办不到。zhè jiàn shì nǐ yí gè rén bàn bú dào

You can't do this by yourself.

Illustration for 办不到 (can't do)

More examples

有些事光靠说话办不到。yǒu xiē shì guāng kào shuō huà bàn bú dào

Some things can't be done by words alone.

Core concept

A desired result remains out of reach because the present situation cannot support its completion.

Common phrases

  • 有些事办不到yǒu xiē shì bàn bú dào

    some things can't be done

  • 单靠一人办不到dān kào yì rén bàn bú dào

    can't be done by one person alone

Similar words

办不成bàn bù chéng: A matter cannot be successfully carried through because the arrangements or negotiations fail.
做不到zuò bú dào: Unable to accomplish something because personal ability or skill is not enough.
办理不了bàn lǐ bù liǎo: A procedure cannot be completed even after it has been started.

Definition in Chinese

表示在现有条件下无法完成某件事。biǎo shì zài xiàn yǒu tiáo jiàn xià wú fǎ wán chéng mǒu jiàn shì

Word origin

办 (bàn, "deal with") combines with the negative result complement 不到 (bùdào, "not reach") to show that handling a matter does not lead to the intended result.

Usage tips

  • The expression can describe a temporary situation, so it need not mean that a person lacks the ability to accomplish the task in every situation.

Opposites

  • 办得到bàn de dàocan doverb

Related words

Word lists with this word