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I am having a problem understanding the meaning of the phrase "Can you not".
For example, is it that the sentence "Can you not teach him that?" can either mean "Are you not able to teach him that?" or "Can you stop teaching him that?"?
Please kindly tell me if the ambiguity does exist and how native speakers distinguish them. I can't find explanation anywhere else.
Yes, that sentence can be ambiguous on paper.
They would be distinguished by emphasis and tone of voice. Using "Can you not..." to mean "stop" is a fairly rude way to phrase it, and would likely be said with irritation/in the tone of a statement and with particular emphasis on the "not".
Using "Can you not..." to ask about ability would likely be said in a questioning tone of voice. The alternative phrasing of "Can't you..." would also eliminate the ambiguity.
“Can you not ...?” is commonly used in Scotland to mean something like “is there any reason why you should not ...? Or “Have you thought of ...?”
It is another way of saying “Can’t you ...?” and is equally polite or equally rude, depending on context.
“Can you not paint over the scratch? = “Can’t you paint over the scratch” is a suggestion.
“Can you not read?” = “Can’t you read?” is a rude admonishment to a trespasser.
