Skip to content
Stroke order, etymology and audio for every word.Start learning
办不到 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
办不到bànbudàoimpossibleHSK 7, unknown, 16 strokes, Very Hard
办不到bànbudàocan't be doneHSK 7, unknown, 16 strokes, Very Hard
办不到bànbudàono can doHSK 7, unknown, 16 strokes, Very Hard
办不到bànbudàounable to accomplishHSK 7, unknown, 16 strokes, Very Hard
bànbudào(ban4bu5dao4)ban bu dao T4
  1. 1impossible
  2. 2can't be done
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026

办不到(辦不到)bànbudào(ban4bu5dao4)

The term '办不到' means 'impossible' or 'can't be done', often used to express a situation where something cannot be accomplished or achieved. It is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts to indicate limitations or inability to fulfill a request or task.

Strokes16DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural note

'办不到' reflects the Chinese cultural emphasis on responsibility and capability; admitting something is 'impossible' can carry a sense of accountability in professional settings. It's often better to suggest alternatives rather than outright stating something cannot be done.

Memory tip

Imagine a person trying to '办' (handle) a task but encountering an obstacle that makes it '不到' (unable to reach). Visualize them trying to climb a mountain but being stopped by a large wall—this wall represents the impossibility of completing the task.

Meanings of 办不到

bànbudào(ban4bu5dao4)
1impossible
2can't be done
Exercise 1 of 2

By ear

Play it, then pick what 办不到 means.

About 办不到

办不到Simplified
辦不到Traditional
16Strokes
—Radical
#—Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L7AdvancedTOCFLL5CEFRC2

Podcast: 办不到

JasonAmy

Podcast: 办不到

Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you

AI study notes for 办不到

Quick Contrast

办不成 (bàn bù chéng) — use '办不到' when emphasizing impossibility, while '办不成' suggests failure to complete despite attempts.

Usage Notes

Common mistakes include using '办不到' too casually in formal situations; it is advisable to use more polite alternatives. Collocations often include phrases like '这件事办不到' (this matter can't be done). Pay attention to the tone, as mispronouncing any of the syllables can change the meaning.

HSK Study Tips

While '办不到' is not explicitly in the HSK vocabulary lists, it connects with HSK Level 3 and 4 vocabulary related to ability and action words. Students should focus on understanding the context in which they can express limitations or impossibilities.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse '办不到' with '办得到' (can be done). For example, saying '这件事办得到' when you mean it can't be done is incorrect. Always check the context to ensure you're using the right expression.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 办不到

Premium — Locked

Tone practice

Pro

Drill the tone of 办不到, say it back, see your pitch against the model voice, and earn XP towards mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.

Tone drillsPitch drawing+5 XP
Get Pro to unlock

Jason Explains 办不到 to you

Let me explain 办不到 for you

Make it yours

Jason looks at what you watch and listen to, the checkpoints you have cleared, our lessons and what you have been exploring, and explains 办不到 through them.

Sign in free to make it personal. New accounts start with 200 AI credits.

How well do you know 办不到?

Example

Learning Lab

Knowing 办不到 is seven skills, not one.

Its meaning, its character, its pinyin, its tone — hearing it, saying it, writing it. The Learning Lab measures each one from your own practice, on every word you study, so you see what you actually know rather than how much you have done.

  • MeaningFree
  • CharacterFree
  • PinyinFree
  • TonePro
  • ListeningPro
  • SpeakingPro
  • WritingPro
See the Learning Lab Three facets free · no card needed

Component characters

办bànto do
HSK 34 strokes力
View full entry
不bù(negative prefix)
HSK 14 strokes一
View full entry
到dàoto (a place)
HSK 18 strokes刂
View full entry

How to say impossible in Chinese

“impossible” in Chinese is办不到bànbudào

The term '办不到' means 'impossible' or 'can't be done', often used to express a situation where something cannot be accomplished or achieved. It is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts to indicate limitations or inability to fulfill a request or task.

When to use 办不到

Common mistakes include using '办不到' too casually in formal situations; it is advisable to use more polite alternatives. Collocations often include phrases like '这件事办不到' (this matter can't be done). Pay attention to the tone, as mispronouncing any of the syllables can change the meaning.

办不到 or something close to it

办不成 (bàn bù chéng) — use '办不到' when emphasizing impossibility, while '办不成' suggests failure to complete despite attempts.

What learners get wrong

Learners often confuse '办不到' with '办得到' (can be done). For example, saying '这件事办得到' when you mean it can't be done is incorrect. Always check the context to ensure you're using the right expression.

Write 办不到

办
不
到

Practice writing 办不到 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.

Write correctly 3 times to earn XP

Ask Jason

Have a question about 办不到?

Jason answers about this word at your level: example sentences, how it differs from similar words, and a way to remember it.

Sign in free to ask. New accounts start with 200 AI credits.

Frequently asked questions about 办不到

'办不到' can be perceived as somewhat blunt; it might be better to offer alternatives or express difficulties more softly in formal situations.

Jason Recommends

Not sure what to learn after 办不到?

Jason picks three words from your level and explains why each one is worth your time next. It takes a free account so he knows what you already know.

A sample week, replayed. Every page you study lands here in the order you did it — your own replay starts with a free account.

See the Learning Lab