No, gracias
polite, everyday
In Mexico you politely refuse with No, gracias. For a gentler refusal add muchas gracias or say Así estoy bien, gracias. It is also called No, muchas gracias.
Meaning: polite refusal (phrase)
Ways to say it
| Mexican | Note |
|---|---|
| No, gracias | polite, everyday |
| Así estoy bien, gracias | polite refusal |
| No, muchas gracias | extra polite |
Street vendors and waiters hear No, gracias all day, and a smile makes it friendlier. When someone offers more food, ya no, gracias means "no more, thanks".
When do people say it?
In Mexican homes a host often insists on offering more food, so a refusal may be repeated once or twice with gracias before it is accepted.
Did you know?
- The diminutive cafecito is very typical of friendly Mexican hospitality.
Examples in context
- No, gracias, ya comí.No, thank you, I already ate.
- ¿Más café? Ya no, gracias.More coffee? No more, thanks.
- Así estoy bien, gracias.I am fine like this, thank you.
Example conversation
Doña Elena offers her guest Tomás a second plate of pozole in her kitchen in Oaxaca.
- Doña Elena¿Le sirvo otro plato, Tomás?Shall I serve you another plate, Tomás?
- TomásNo, gracias, estuvo delicioso.No, thank you, it was delicious.
- Doña ElenaEntonces le doy un cafecito.Then I will give you a little coffee.
