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字が読めない

can't read

→ 字
phrase Rare #26,491
can't read Literally means “cannot read writing or characters.” 字 can refer to written characters, handwriting, or text. This phrase can mean being unable to read in general or being unable to make out particular writing. It is grammatically neutral, though it can sound conversational depending on context.
JA: トムはまだ字が読めない。
EN: Tom still can't read.

あそこは誰も字が読めない

No one there can read.

— イル・ポスティーノ (1994)

眼鏡がないと字が読めないんだよ。

I can't read without my glasses.

あいつ字が読めない話せばいいじゃないか！

He can't read, so why don't you just say it out loud?

— きっと、うまくいく (2009)

トムはまだ字が読めない。

Tom still can't read.

トムは字が読めない。

Tom can't read.