What does it mean word for word?
không, cảm ơn is made of không, meaning no and cảm ơn, meaning thank you.
Which one should you use?
Xin lỗi nhưng mình không thể. means sorry, but I can't and is a relaxed way to refuse among friends. Tôi xin lỗi, nhưng tôi đã có kế hoạch khác vào thời điểm đó. means I'm sorry, but I already have other plans at that time and suits a more formal invitation.
How does it change in a sentence?
The polite particle ạ goes at the very end of the phrase, giving không, cảm ơn ạ.
What mistakes should you avoid?
Saying only Không! without cảm ơn can sound blunt or even rude, depending on your tone. Always add the thanks when you decline something kindly offered.
When do people say it?
To refuse an invitation, people often soften the answer with a reason, as in Rất tiếc, nhưng mình đã hứa làm một việc khác rồi, which means I'm really sorry, but I've already promised to do something else.
Did you know?
- The word không shares its root with the word for 'zero' in Korean 공 and several Southern Min Chinese dialects.
Examples in context
- Không, cảm ơn bạn.No, thank you.
- Dạ không, cảm ơn chị.No, thank you (polite/to an older female).
Example conversation
Hương offers Hùng some more tea.
- HươngAnh uống thêm trà nhé?Would you like some more tea?
- HùngKhông, cảm ơn Hương.No, thank you, Hương.
- HươngAnh chắc không uống nữa chứ?Are you sure you don't want any more?
- HùngỪ, anh đủ rồi, cảm ơn em.Yes, I've had enough, thank you.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries cảm, không, ơn, CC BY-SA 4.0.
