не, благодаря
ne, blagodarya
The phrase "no, thank you" in Bulgarian is translated as не, благодаря (ne, blagodarya).
не, благодаря is used as a polite way to decline an offer or a request.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the word не (no) and the verb благодаря (to thank/I thank).
Which one should you use?
In casual settings, Bulgarians often use the loanword мерси in the phrase не, мерси.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
не, благодаря is a polite form. Using благодаря instead of the more common мерси makes the refusal sound more formal and polite.
How do you pronounce it?
ne, blagodarya
Did you know?
- In Bulgaria, a shake of the head from side to side can mean 'yes', while a single nod can mean 'no'. This means you might say не, благодаря while nodding your head.
- The verb благодаря is built from the roots благо meaning 'good' and дар meaning 'gift'. To say 'thank you' is literally to say 'I bestow a good gift'.
- If you are refusing something very insistently, Bulgarians may repeat не, благодаря several times quickly, as it is common for hosts to offer food or drink multiple times before accepting a refusal.
Examples in context
- Благодаря, но не се нуждая.Thank you, but I don't need it.
- Благодаря, но няма да го взема.Thank you, but I won't take it.
- Искрено Ви благодаря, но не се нуждая.I sincerely thank you, but I don't need it.
- Не, благодаря, не съм гладен.Ne, blagodarya, ne sam gladen.No, thank you, I am not hungry.
- Не, благодаря, нямам нужда от помощ.Ne, blagodarya, nyamam nuzhda ot pomosht.No, thank you, I do not need help.
Example conversation
Victoria offers Ivan a cup of coffee in the office.
- Виктория ViktoriyaИван, искаш ли кафе?Ivan, iskaš li kafe?Ivan, do you want some coffee?
- Иван IvanНе, благодаря, Виктория.Ne, blagodarya, Viktoriya.No, thank you, Victoria.
- Виктория ViktoriyaСигурен ли си?Siguren li si?Are you sure?
- Иван IvanДа, току-що пих една чаша.Da, toku-što pikh edna chasha.Yes, I just drank a cup.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries благодаря, не, CC BY-SA 4.0.
