لا، شكراً
la, shukran
The English phrase "no thank you" is translated into Arabic as لا، شكراً (la, shukran).
This phrase is a standard, polite way to decline an offer in both formal and informal settings across the Arabic-speaking world.
Meaning: polite way of saying no (intj)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of لا (no) and شكراً (thanks/thank you).
How does it change in a sentence?
Adding لك (to you) to the end of شكراً to create لا، شكراً لك makes the phrase more complete and grammatically formal, though لا، شكراً is sufficient for daily use.
How do you pronounce it?
la, shukran
Did you know?
- In many Arabic-speaking cultures, saying لا، شكراً once is often not enough. It is common to repeat the phrase multiple times as a sign of politeness and modesty while the host continues to offer.
- In some contexts, a person might say شكراً (thank you) while shaking their head or gesturing with their hand to mean 'no thank you' without ever using the word لا.
- In many Arabic-speaking cultures, saying 'no' directly can be seen as blunt or even rude. To soften the refusal, people often add 'baraka Allahu feek', which means 'may God bless you', after their 'no'.
Examples in context
- لا، شكراً لك. لقد شبعت.No, thank you. I'm full.This example shows how to use لا، شكراً when stating that you are full.Tatoeba #402322 by saeb, translation #65670 by CK
- لا، شكراً لك.No, thank you.This example shows a simple way to use لا، شكراً.Tatoeba #616537 by saeb, translation #31390 by CK
- لا، مش مهتم. شكرا على العرض.No, not interested. Thanks for the offer.
- لا، شكراً، أنا بخير.la, shukran, ana bikhayr.No, thank you, I am fine.
Example conversation
Youssef offers Laila some more coffee.
- مريم Maryamهل تريد المزيد من القهوة يا يوسف؟hal tureed al-mazeed min al-qahwa ya Youssef?Do you want more coffee, Youssef?
- يوسف Youssefلا، شكراً، لقد شربت كفايتي.la, shukran, laqad sharabtu kifayati.No, thank you, I have had enough.
- مريم Maryamحسناً، هل تريد شيئاً آخر؟hasanan, hal tureed shay'an akhar?Okay, do you want anything else?
- يوسف Youssefلا، شكراً، هذا كل شيء.la, shukran, hadha kullu shay'.No, thank you, that is all.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
