‘不行’ (bùxíng) literally combines ‘not’ (不) and ‘to go/do/work’ (行), yielding core meanings of ‘no good’, ‘impossible’, ‘won’t work’, or ‘can’t be done’. It functions primarily as an adjective describing something that is inadequate, unsuitable, or unfeasible — for example, a broken tool, an invalid plan, or an unacceptable request. It can also act adverbially to strongly negate a suggestion or proposal.

In everyday speech, ‘不行’ is highly versatile and frequently used in informal contexts: rejecting offers (‘This time? No way!’), expressing inability (‘I can’t come — it’s impossible’), or judging quality (‘This coffee tastes awful — no good!’). Tone and context heavily influence its force — said flatly, it may sound neutral; with rising intonation, it conveys firm refusal. It’s not a noun or verb by itself but modifies situations, actions, or objects directly.