Giving a polite refusal is an important skill in any language. Whether you want to decline an invitation, reject an offer, or simply express your unavailability, knowing how to say no is vital. In this guide, we’ll explore how to say no in a variety of languages, including both formal and informal ways. While we focus primarily on standard language variations, we’ll also touch on regional differences when necessary. So, let’s dive in and learn how to politely decline in different languages!
Table of Contents
1. English
Formal:
- No, thank you.
- I’m sorry, but I can’t.
- I appreciate the offer, but I must decline.
Informal:
- No, thanks.
- Sorry, I can’t make it.
- Thanks for asking, but I’ll have to pass.
2. Spanish
Formal:
- No, gracias.
- Lamento no poder hacerlo.
- Aprecio la oferta, pero tengo que rechazarla.
Informal:
- No, gracias.
- Lo siento, no puedo.
- Gracias por invitarme, pero tengo que decir que no.
3. French
Formal:
- Non, merci.
- Je suis désolé(e), mais je ne peux pas.
- J’apprécie l’invitation, mais je dois décliner.
Informal:
- Non, merci.
- Désolé(e), je ne peux pas.
- Merci de me l’avoir proposé, mais je ne peux pas y aller.
4. German
Formal:
- Nein, danke.
- Es tut mir leid, aber ich kann nicht.
- Ich schätze das Angebot, aber ich muss ablehnen.
Informal:
- Nein, danke.
- Sorry, ich kann nicht.
- Danke für die Einladung, aber ich muss leider absagen.
5. Italian
Formal:
- No, grazie.
- Mi dispiace, ma non posso.
- Apprezzo l’offerta, ma devo rifiutare.
Informal:
- No, grazie.
- Scusa, non posso.
- Grazie per aver chiesto, ma devo passare.
6. Portuguese
Formal:
- Não, obrigado(a).
- Sinto muito, mas não posso.
- Agradeço o convite, mas tenho que recusar.
Informal:
- Não, obrigado(a).
- Desculpe, não posso ir.
- Obrigado(a) por convidar, mas preciso recusar.
7. Russian
Formal:
- Нет, спасибо.
- Извините, но я не могу.
- Я ценю ваше предложение, но вынужден отказаться.
Informal:
- Нет, спасибо.
- Извини, я не смогу.
- Спасибо за приглашение, но я вынужден отказаться.
These are just a few examples to get you started. Remember, when saying no in any language, consider the context, the relationship with the person, and always strive to be polite and respectful.
Tip: Adding “thank you” or “I appreciate it” before declining can help soften the refusal and maintain a warm tone.
Now that you know how to politely decline in various languages, you can confidently navigate social situations in different cultures. Practice these phrases and adapt them to different contexts, and you’ll be well-equipped to respectfully say no in any language you encounter!
