no gracias
/no ɡɾaθjas/from spelling rules
no gracias is the Spanish way to say "no thanks."
This phrase is used to politely decline an offer of food, drink or assistance.
How does it change in a sentence?
In written Spanish, a comma is typically placed after no to separate the negation from the expression of gratitude, as in no, gracias.
How do you pronounce it?
/no ɡɾaθjas/
Did you know?
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, saying no gracias to a first offer of food or drink can be seen as a formality, and the host may offer a second or third time before accepting the refusal.
- The word gracias is actually a shortened way of the Latin expression gratias agere, which literally means 'to do or perform thanks'.
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, saying no gracias while physically pushing your hands away from your chest or stomach is a common non-verbal way to signal that you are genuinely full after a meal.
Examples in context
- ¿Te gustaría un poco de pastel?Would you like some cake?
- No, gracias. Ya estoy lleno.No, thanks. I'm already full.
- Gracias, pero no puedo. Ya tengo otros planes.Thanks, but I can't. I already have other plans.
Example conversation
Alejandro offers Sofía a piece of cake.
- SofíaSofía, ¿quieres un trozo de pastel?Sofía, do you want a piece of cake?
- AlejandroNo gracias, estoy llena.No thank you, I am full.
- SofíaEstá muy rico, ¿segura?It's very tasty, are you sure?
- AlejandroSí, no gracias, Alejandro.Yes, no thank you, Alejandro.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries gracias, no, CC BY-SA 4.0.
