couldn't
A criada, Branca, não pôde ajudar em nada.
The maid, Branca, couldn’t help at all.
— Vale Abraão (1993)
A velha não pôde ou não quis atender a porta.
The old woman either couldn't or didn't want to answer the door.
— Psicose (1960)
Camilo quis sinceramente fugir, mas já não pôde.
Camilo genuinely wanted to run away, but he couldn't anymore.
She couldn't find him.
Ela não pôde entrar em contato com ele por telefone.
She couldn't reach him by phone.
She couldn't talk to him.
She couldn't go to the wedding.