結構です
kekkō desu
In Japanese, "no thank you" is expressed as 結構です (kekkō desu).
結構です is used to decline an offer by implying that the current situation is already sufficient. It can function as "no thank you" or "I am fine".
Meaning: polite way of saying no (intj)
What does it mean word for word?
The core part of the phrase, 結構, literally means "fine", "sufficient" or "splendid".
Which one should you use?
Depending on the context and intonation, 結構です can mean both "no thank you" (I am fine as I am) and "yes, that is fine" (it is sufficient/good).
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
結構です is a polite way to decline an offer, making it suitable for use with strangers or in formal settings. For a more formal way to refuse something, you can also say Dōmo, kekkō desu. In informal situations, you might use the phrase Dōmo, chotto… to politely decline an offer.
How do you pronounce it?
kekkō desu
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers may mistakenly use 結構です to mean "it is wonderful" in a way that sounds overly stiff or unnatural in casual conversation.
Did you know?
- The word 結構 is composed of kanji meaning 'build' and 'structure', originally referring to a well-constructed building.
- In a business context, a direct 'no' is so avoided that 結構です might be replaced by 検討します, which means 'I will consider it' but often functions as a polite 'no'.
- In Japan, a polite 'no' is often accompanied by a small wave of the hand in front of the face or a slight tilt of the head to soften the refusal.
Examples in context
- いえ、結構です。No, thank you.This sentence shows how to use 結構です to say "No, thank you."Tatoeba #229316 by bunbuku, translation #31390 by CK
- もう結構です。十分いただきました。No, thank you. I've had enough.This sentence demonstrates using 結構です to explain you have had enough.Tatoeba #9336900 by bunbuku, translation #66818 by CK
- 結構です。コーヒーは飲まないので。No, thank you. I don't drink coffee.This sentence shows using 結構です to decline a specific item like coffee.Tatoeba #9444522 by small_snow, translation #2534593 by _undertoad
- 5 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
At a cafe, a waiter offers more water to a customer.
- 大翔 Hirotoお水のお代わりはいかがですか？omizu no okawari wa ikaga desu ka?Would you like a refill of water?
- 結衣 Yuiいえ、結構です。ie, kekkou desu.No, thank you.
- 大翔 Hiroto承知いたしました。shouchi itashimashita.I understand.
- 結衣 Yuiありがとうございます。arigatou gozaimasu.Thank you.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “no thank you” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
