No, gracias
/ˈno ˈɡɾaθjas/ [ˈɡɾa.θjas/word by word
The English phrase "no politely" is expressed in Spanish as No, gracias.
No, gracias is the standard way to decline an offer of food, drink or assistance without appearing rude.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the word no (no) and gracias (thank you).
How does it change in a sentence?
In this phrase, the word gracias is a noun used as an interjection and it does not change its form based on whether the speaker is male or female.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈno ˈɡɾaθjas/ [ˈɡɾa.θjas/
Did you know?
- In some Spanish-speaking cultures, saying No, gracias to the first offer of food is seen as a polite formality, and the host may continue to offer until you eventually accept.
- The word gracias shares a common ancestor with the English word 'grace', stemming from the Latin 'gratia' which denotes charm or favor.
- In many Spanish-speaking households, if you say No, gracias to a host, they may insist on providing the item at least once more before accepting your refusal.
Examples in context
- Me encantaría, pero no puedo. Tengo una cita importante mañana por la mañana. ¿Podemos hacerlo otro día?I would love to, but I can't. I have an important appointment tomorrow morning. Can we do it another day?
- Lamentablemente, no puedo en este momento, ya que estoy ocupado con otras tareas. ¿Alguien más podría colaborar contigo?Unfortunately, I can't at the moment since I'm busy with other tasks. Could someone else help you?
- Agradezco mucho tu confianza, pero ya tenía planeado un viaje para esos días. ¿Puedo ayudarte de alguna otra forma?I really appreciate your trust, but I already had a trip planned for those days. Can I help you in any other way?
- No, gracias, ya he comido.No, thank you, I have already eaten.
- ¿Quieres más café? No, gracias.Do you want more coffee? No, thank you.
- No, gracias, no necesito ayuda.No, thank you, I do not need help.
Example conversation
Lucía and Javier are at a party.
- LucíaJavier, ¿quieres un vaso de agua?Javier, do you want a glass of water?
- JavierNo, gracias, Lucía. Estoy bien.No, thank you, Lucía. I am fine.
- Lucía¿Seguro? Hace mucho calor hoy.Are you sure? It is very hot today.
- JavierSí, de verdad, no, gracias.Yes, really, no, thank you.
Sources
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (no, gracias) and can differ in connected speech.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries gracias, no, CC BY-SA 4.0.
